Four Florida Firefighters Charged After Alleged Waterboarding and Whipping of Rookie
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Four firefighters with Marion County Fire Rescue face criminal charges after allegedly subjecting a 19-year-old rookie firefighter to a brutal hazing ritual that included waterboarding and whipping, authorities confirmed Tuesday. The incident, which took place on November 26 during the rookie’s second shift at Fire Station 21, has led to the termination of ten employees, including senior leadership at the station.
According to Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, the violent episode began when four city employees demanded access to a TikTok video posted by the rookie firefighter. When he refused, they pursued him in the parking lot, forcibly removing his pants and belt before striking him repeatedly on his bare skin. The sheriff described the attack as escalating to the point where the victim was dragged across the parking lot and waterboarded three times using a water bottle and towel.
“The victim fought and refused to cooperate and made it abundantly clear to each of them that this was outside what he thought, maybe, could be perceived as something minor,” Sheriff Woods said during a news conference. “Unfortunately, they took it to this level.”
The allegations are supported by video footage reportedly recorded on one of the suspect’s cell phones, showing the rookie being whipped and waterboarded. The 19-year-old told investigators that he was held down, had his belt removed and was whipped on his front and backside. “I was like, ‘ow, ow. This really hurts. Stop! Stop!’” he said in an interview obtained by FOX 35 Orlando.
Following the incident, the rookie firefighter declared he would never return to work at the station. The Marion County Fire Rescue department swiftly responded by firing ten employees connected to the case, including several senior staff members. Four of those fired are now facing criminal charges related to the hazing.
Hazing practices within emergency services have come under increased scrutiny nationwide. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration emphasizes the importance of safe workplace environments free from harassment and abuse. This case highlights the dangers of unchecked hazing rituals, which can escalate to criminal behavior and endanger the wellbeing of personnel.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the matter thoroughly. The department has urged other fire departments and public safety agencies to review their policies to prevent similar incidents. The U.S. Fire Administration offers resources and training to promote professional conduct and safety among firefighters nationwide.
Community leaders have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability and cultural change within fire departments. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also noted that hazing and abuse in public service roles can constitute civil rights violations, warranting federal attention in severe cases.
As the legal process moves forward, the charges against the four firefighters will be closely watched for their implications on workplace conduct standards in emergency services. Meanwhile, the fired employees face potential criminal penalties, and the rookie firefighter’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with hazing in high-stakes professions.
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