Dempsey v. Halford

MARTIN, Chief Judge.

Robert Dempsey (“plaintiff’), a former Polk County EMS paramedic, brought this action for libel and slander against the Polk County EMS director, Sandra Halford, and the Polk County EMS Medical Director, Alison VanFrank (collectively “defendants”). Defendants filed a motion for summary judgment, asserting the grounds of public official immunity, qualified privilege and statutory privilege. By order dated 17 July 2006, the trial court denied defendants’ motion. Defendants appeal.

On appeal, defendants argue that plaintiff failed to establish actual malice as to either…