Florida fire rescue employees arrested for assaulting and waterboarding a co-worker.

In a disturbing incident that has drawn significant attention, four employees of Marion County Fire Rescue in North-Central Florida are facing legal repercussions following allegations of severe hazing directed at a younger colleague. Authorities disclosed these developments on Wednesday, detailing the events that transpired on November 16 at Fire Station 21 in Ocala, approximately 80 miles northwest of Orlando.

The accused individuals, comprising three firefighters and a paramedic, allegedly engaged in a coordinated attack against a 19-year-old male firefighter who had refused to share a TikTok video with them. The incident escalated as the group reportedly confronted the victim, applying grease to his body before pursuing him in the station’s parking lot. Upon apprehending him, they forcibly removed his pants and utilized his belt to strike him on the backside, a tactic described as both humiliating and violent.

Despite the victim’s protests and continued refusal to provide access to his mobile phone, the situation deteriorated further. The group is accused of removing his underwear and continuing the assault, escalating to the shocking act of waterboarding—an act that involved dousing the victim with water while restraining him.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods stated that during this ordeal, the victim made it clear that the actions of his colleagues far exceeded acceptable behavior, indicating a profound breach of trust and safety within the workplace. Woods characterized the assault as “unacceptable, inexcusable, and fundamentally contrary to the core values” of the fire department, an assessment echoed by Fire Chief James Banta, who expressed his shock and disgust regarding the incident.

In the aftermath of these revelations, the four individuals have been terminated from their positions. They include 19-year-old Tate Trauthwein, and 22-year-olds Edward Kenny III and Seth Day, all of whom face charges of kidnapping, robbery, and battery. Kaylee Bradley, a 25-year-old paramedic, was charged with robbery and as an accessory to the robbery.

Despite the traumatic experience, the unidentified victim has opted to remain on duty, demonstrating resilience and determination to continue his role within the fire department. Sheriff Woods affirmed the victim’s commitment to his job, stating that keeping him in the workplace was the appropriate decision, given his strong desire to persevere and contribute to his team.

This harrowing episode serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fostering a supportive and respectful environment within emergency services, where the well-being of all personnel must be prioritized to uphold the integrity of the profession. The investigation continues, as community members and onlookers await further developments in this troubling case.