Close to a dozen firefighters and paramedics were terminated, with four facing criminal charges, after a hazing incident involving a 19-year-old rookie firefighter in Florida. The young firefighter reported to authorities that he lost consciousness during a confrontation where colleagues attempted to access his phone to view a viral TikTok video he posted. This incident took place on November 26 at Marion County Fire and Rescue’s Fire Station 21, locally known as Friendship Station.
According to Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, the hazing escalated when four firefighters pursued the rookie in a parking lot, demanding access to his videos. They restrained him, removed his pants and belt, and began to hit him with the belt. As they tried to unlock his phone, they went further, removing his underwear and continuing to strike him on his exposed skin.
Woods stated that the rookie was pulled through the parking lot, and during this time, his water bottle and towel were used to waterboard him three times. He remarked, “The victims fought but made it clear that this was likely beyond what they thought could be considered harmless fun. They should have recognized that.” It’s troubling how far things had gone.
Evidently, interviews and records obtained by investigators shed light on the shocking details of the incident. The young firefighter recounted, “I felt like someone came up from behind and dragged me. They unbuckled my pants and started whipping me.” He expressed distress, stating, “This really hurts. I couldn’t breathe.” Ultimately, he decided to resign after this ordeal.
In total, 10 employees were fired, including some high-ranking officials, with four charged with criminal offenses on the same day the incident was reported. Charged individuals include Tate Trauthwein, Edward Kenney, Seth Day, and Kayley Bradley, all linked to the initiation of this chilling act.
In a recorded interview, Bradley confessed that rough treatment was somewhat commonplace in the department but acknowledged that this incident exceeded what they would typically consider acceptable as jokes. She added that the behaviors displayed that day were excessive.
Marion County Fire Chief James Banta condemned the actions, calling the event “an alarming violation of everything this profession stands for.” He emphasized that those involved forfeited their right to wear the uniform as soon as they made choices that endangered their peers. The fire department is also reviewing the investigation by the sheriff’s office to determine if others present may face further consequences.
The inquiry is ongoing, and any additional policy violations will lead to further administrative action.
