Violent Hazing Incident Leads to Dismissals of Firefighters in Florida

In a disturbing case from Florida, nearly a dozen firefighters and paramedics have been dismissed, with four facing criminal charges, following allegations that a 19-year-old rookie firefighter was subjected to severe hazing, including whipping and waterboarding.

The young firefighter reported to authorities on November 26, while serving his second shift at Marion County Fire and Rescue’s Fire Station 21 (often referred to as Friendship Station), that he had blacked out after colleagues attempted to access his phone to see a TikTok video he had posted.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods explained that the incident escalated when four fire department staff pursued the rookie in a parking lot for access to his TikTok content. “They grabbed him, removed his pants and belt, and began striking him on the backside with the belt,” Woods stated during a press briefing. As they tried to unlock his phone, they went further by removing his underwear and continuing to hit him on his bare skin.

Woods added that the rookie was dragged across the parking lot, and during this time, someone took his water bottle and towel, subjecting him to waterboarding three times.

“The victim resisted and made it clear that this was far beyond what he considered minor hazing,” Woods remarked. “Clearly, they should have known better.”

Documentation and interviews related to the incident have revealed further accounts of the alleged abuse. The 19-year-old claimed that one individual grabbed his arm from behind and dragged him before unbuckling his pants and whipping him. “I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ It really hurt,” he recounted to investigators. “I couldn’t breathe… After that, I just resigned because I felt I couldn’t return to work here.”

An investigation led to the termination of ten employees, including some higher-ups, while four have been charged with various offenses, including kidnapping and assault. According to reports, the rookie firefighter has returned to duty and continues to serve the community.

The individuals facing charges are: Tate Trauswein, a 19-year-old firefighter/paramedic; Edward Kenney, a 22-year-old paramedic; and Seth Day, also 22, who works as a firefighter/paramedic. Kayley Bradley, a 25-year-old paramedic, is charged with robbery and being an accessory.

Bradley, during an interview with authorities, admitted that roughhousing was a norm at the station, but she acknowledged that in this case, some actions had crossed a line, stating it was “beyond what we would normally do as a joke.”

Marion County Fire Chief James Banta expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as a serious breach of the principles upheld in the firefighter profession. “What transpired was unacceptable and contrary to our core values,” he stated. “Those involved forfeited their right to wear the uniform the moment they chose to act in ways that endangered and harmed their colleagues.”

Banta further noted that an ongoing evaluation is being conducted to look into the actions or possible negligence of others who might have been present during the hazing. Additional administrative measures may be implemented based on the findings of the ongoing investigation by both the fire department and the sheriff’s office.