A Flagler County Emergency Management official may be out of her job.

  • Jennifer Stagg accused of being missing during Hurricane Matthew
  • Supporters signed up to testify on her behalf
  • Hearing on the matter on Wednesday at 8 a.m.

A pre-disciplinary hearing notification document obtained by News 13 said she was unaccounted for during Hurricane Matthew. The county claims her actions put the community at risk.

Jennifer Stagg waited patiently Monday as her supporters signed up to testify on her behalf. She currently works as the Flagler County Emergency Management planner. It's a position she held during Hurricane Matthew, now she's at risk of losing her job.

"We don't see any basis for the allegations or anything else," said supporter Donald Singleton.

Dozens like Donald Singleton who have worked with Stagg stood in her support.

The county has brought at least seven allegations against her, according to disciplinary notification hearing.

Those allegations include tardiness, chronic absenteeism, insubordination, including refusal to complete work during Hurricane Matthew.

It said Stagg acted as the chief planner during the storm and states Stagg, "could not be accounted for Oct. 8 and 9 in that role or capacity.”

Stagg's old boss, the former county public safety emergency manager, said she was his number one worker.

"Jennifer's training is in preparedness and response," said Kevin Guthrie, former manager.

He said Stagg has successfully trained dozens in the county how to be prepared for a storm in about seven years of service.

He said she did have tardiness issues years ago but they fixed it by changing her schedule.

"That's absolutely not her character. There's a mention of situation that she was not here for 48 hours, that's absolutely untrue," said Guthrie.

The county letter said her actions put emergency officials and people's lives in the EOC in danger during the storm.

But the county's letter specifically said during Oct. 6 through Oct. 21 that she demonstrated behavior that is neither "sanctioned nor condoned by the county" including missing a couple days without calling out.

Stagg told News 13 she loves her job but she can't comment at this time.

"I'm hoping that things turn out in her favor. Even if they do, there still might be some repercussions down the line," said Singleton.

The hearing was postponed until Wednesday at 8 a.m. because of the huge turnout of supporters, according to the county.

The county spokesperson said they want to give everyone a chance to have their voices heard and will not comment at this time.