A 19-year-old firefighter in Ocala, Florida, claims he was beaten, whipped with a belt, and even waterboarded by colleagues at Marion County Fire Rescue’s Station 21—all because they wanted access to a video on his cell phone.
The alleged incident took place on November 16, during the rookie’s second day at the station. According to investigative documents obtained by Fox 35, a group of coworkers reportedly harassed the young firefighter throughout the day. Actions included smearing grease on his shirt, tossing his boots into the woods, and forcibly removing his pants.
When the rookie refused to give his phone passcode, the situation escalated. One firefighter allegedly held him in a leg lock while another whipped him with a belt. Eventually, the victim alleges he was waterboarded three times, leaving him struggling to breathe.
Personnel Fired and Facing Charges
In response, Marion County officials fired ten individuals connected to the incident, including a battalion chief, a captain, a lieutenant, firefighters, and paramedics. Four of the fired employees now face criminal charges:
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Kaylee Bradley, 25, paramedic: Charged with robbery and principal accessory to robbery.
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Tate Trauthwein, 19, firefighter/EMT: Charged with kidnapping, battery, and robbery.
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Edward Kenny, 22, EMT: Charged with kidnapping, battery, and robbery.
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Seth Day, 22, firefighter/EMT: Charged with kidnapping, battery, and robbery.
All four have pleaded not guilty. Six additional employees were fired but are not facing charges.
Marion County Commissioner Carl Zalak condemned the behavior, stating, “What occurred is absolutely unacceptable… It makes me sick to my very stomach. A small group of employees treated the firehouse like a frat house.”
The rookie reported that after the incident, he told colleagues he would “never work there again” and left the station. Authorities are continuing their investigation.
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