Four employees of Marion County Fire and Rescue in Florida were arrested Wednesday for their alleged involvement in a violent hazing incident against a 19-year-old firefighter at Station 21 in Ocala.

The county sheriff, Billy Woods, recounted that the assault began with grease being applied to the victim, but the situation escalated to the point where the attacker struck the victim with a belt and attempted to simulate suffocation. “In my 30 years as a firefighter, this is the most horrific thing I've ever been told,” lamented County Fire Chief James Banta. The Arrests and Charges: The detainees were identified as: Edward Kenny III, 22, an emergency medical technician; Seth Day, 22, a firefighter/EMT; Tate Trauthwein, 19, a firefighter/EMT; and Kaylee Bradley, 25, a paramedic. Kenny, Day, and Trauthwein face charges of kidnapping, robbery, and assault. Bradley was charged with robbery and aiding and betting. All were fired after the events came to light.

The victim was pressured to hand over his password

According to the affidavit, the assault allegedly began when several colleagues discovered that the young firefighter had a viral video on TikTok. They tried to obtain his cell phone password, and when he refused, the hazing escalated.

The victim recounted that one of the accused threw his boots into the woods, and when he went to retrieve them, the other two restrained him. There, Trauthwein allegedly removed his belt, pulled down his pants, and punched him while demanding his phone password.

Another critical moment occurred when they covered his face with a towel and repeatedly poured water over it, while the victim struggled to breathe.

The firefighter escaped when he received a call for service

The young man managed to get out of the situation only because an emergency call came in during his shift, according to the report. He never gave up his password.

The incident was reported days later, on November 19, and the Sheriff's Office opened a criminal investigation. Chief Banta confirmed that the four employees were immediately dismissed.“What happened was unacceptable, inexcusable, and contrary to all the values ??of this profession,” he stated. “These individuals forfeited their right to wear the uniform the moment they betrayed and endangered a colleague,” he added. The victim remains on duty. Despite what happened, the firefighter continues to serve. Banta explained that he was offered time off, but he declined. “He has a job to do,” the chief said. In addition to the criminal case, the department will review whether other members present during the incident should face sanctions. Internal protocols and leadership training will also be strengthened to prevent any similar incidents. “Our priority is to ensure a safe, respectful, and professional environment for every member of the department,” Banta concluded.