Fire chief verbally abuses child during emergency, video footage reveals.

A Long Island fire chief has been suspended amidst an ongoing investigation following the release of a video, which has sparked widespread outrage, appearing to show him berating a 10-year-old girl during an emergency call. The incident occurred on the evening of August 5, 2025, and has drawn criticism from both the public and fire officials alike.

The fire chief, identified as Peter Alt of the North Babylon Volunteer Fire Company, was recorded on a cellphone camera interacting with the young girl, who was being transported in an ambulance strapped to a stretcher. In the video, the child is heard pleading to go home, while Alt responds with a string of profanities. The exchange escalates as the girl repeatedly expresses her distress, to which Alt admonishes her to remain quiet.

The North Babylon Fire Company’s executive board acknowledged the troubling nature of the incident in a press release, stating that they have become aware of the altercation and indicated that the behavior exhibited by their member was deemed “unacceptable.” Although specific names were not initially disclosed, they confirmed that Alt has been placed on leave, stripping him of all duties while a full and thorough investigation is conducted. The board also mentioned that they would be reviewing their training protocols and emergency response policies to determine whether additional training is necessary.

The mother of the child, who has chosen to remain anonymous to protect her daughter’s identity, provided a statement expressing her distress over the incident. She remarked that instead of providing care and protection, the chief’s outburst was an act of verbal abuse. She voiced concerns that her daughter’s trust in emergency services might be permanently damaged by the encounter, emphasizing that no child should be subjected to such treatment in moments of vulnerability.

This incident is part of a broader conversation about the conduct of emergency service personnel during sensitive situations. The North Babylon Fire Company has pledged to take appropriate actions based on the findings of the investigation, underscoring their commitment to accountability and the well-being of the community they serve.

As this story continues to develop, it remains essential for all responders to exhibit professionalism and compassion, particularly when interacting with vulnerable populations such as children. The outcome of the investigation may play a significant role in shaping the standards and expectations for emergency responders in similar situations moving forward.