Today is the 13th of March, 2026, and a shocking incident has unfolded in the Mount Dora Fire Department. Jesse Ravenscraft, a 36-year-old lieutenant, has been arrested for allegedly tampering with medication. This serious allegation has sent ripples through the community, stirring concerns about public safety and the integrity of emergency services.
Ravenscraft, who has served as a firefighter paramedic for the City of Mount Dora since June 2017, was suspended without pay following his arrest on March 6. He faces a felony charge of reckless tampering with a product risking injury and a misdemeanor charge of petit theft. His resignation came shortly after, on the same day he was taken into custody. The investigation into his actions was initiated after reports surfaced of missing vials of Benadryl at a fire station.
Details of the Investigation
According to police reports, two bottles of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) were discovered tampered with on Engine 34. The situation escalated when internal emails from fellow firefighters reported suspicious incidents, including missing syringes and saline flush. Surveillance footage later revealed Ravenscraft using a syringe to extract water from a stack, raising serious questions about his motives.
As a response to this incident, the Mount Dora Fire Department has implemented safeguards to ensure the safety of its medications. This includes a full inventory of medications and increased monitoring protocols. Thankfully, it has been reported that patient care and public safety were not compromised during this troubling time, as the tampered vials were promptly removed from service.
Commitment to Safety
The Mount Dora Fire Department, under the leadership of Fire Chief Joseph A. Hightower, remains committed to its mission of saving lives, protecting property, and promoting public safety. In a welcoming letter on their website, Hightower expresses gratitude to the citizens and visitors of Mount Dora for their trust and support. He emphasizes the department’s goal of continuous improvement through training, ensuring that firefighters are well-prepared and proactive in their duties.
The department’s vision aims for a safer and better environment for living, working, and playing in Mount Dora. This commitment is underscored by the teamwork and integrity of its firefighters, who strive to deliver emergency medical services with honor and pride.
As the investigation into Jesse Ravenscraft continues, the City of Mount Dora is fully cooperating with law enforcement. The community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution that will reaffirm trust in their local emergency services. For more details on the ongoing situation, you can follow the coverage on Inside Lake.
For additional information on the Mount Dora Fire Department’s mission and services, visit their official webpage at Mount Dora Fire Department.