Spalding firefighter filmed mangled body of accident victim

Spalding firefighter filmed mangled body of accident victim

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Wednesday, October 20. 2010

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A Spalding County firefighter is on investigatory suspension after using his cell phone to film the mangled body of a traffic accident victim.

County and fire officials refuse to identify the firefighter.

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#1 It's Me on 10/20/10 at 08:18 PM

I read about this online last night and was so disgusted. There cannot possibly be any kind of legitimate excuse for this guys behavior and lack of respect.

#1.1 Anonymous on 10/25/10 at 01:03 AM

As a firefighter (professional NPQ) I agree that this is very disrespectful. You are supposed to protect the public you serve with honor. There was none here. I hope that it isn't thought that all firefighters are like this. i also hope that he is charged for violating HIPPA Laws, which do protect patient rights and all fire/ ems depts have to abide by (they are fed laws). I write policy for my dept. and this type of act can bring BIG fines to the dept or hospital and sometimes jailtime for the offender depending on the situation and intent of the material.

#1.1.1 C.O.C. on 10/25/10 at 07:50 AM

You a very right. Once a person has been involved in something requiring rescue workers, not only are they a victim (whether it be an accident or an illness), they also become a patient until they are cleared, refuse medical attention or are pronounced dead. Either way, as a professional, the rescue workers should already be aware of the rights of a patient/victim. This should have never happened. I know many rescue workers who do an amazing job and it is unfortunate that there are some that behave in a manner that would bring embarrassment to the department and profession. If nothing else, he needs to be sited under the 'conduct unbecoming' or 'bringing undue embarrassment to the department' policy. I'm sure they have policy to covers those issues. Anyone behaving in such an inhumane and insensitive way is a huge liability to the department anyway. As a parent, I can't imagine the pain her parents went through and still deal with.

#2 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 12:21 AM

He should be fired and not allowed to resign, that's for sure.

Do Griffin firefighters have to take an oath of office? If so, can he be prosecuted for breaking the oath?

Where has the professionalism gone?

#2.1 stickman on 10/21/10 at 06:22 AM

This was a Spalding County fireman not a Griffin firefighter, there is a difference. I agree that he should not have taken the video or shared it with others, but there IS MORE TO THE STORY. I am sure the remainder of the story will be revealed in civil court. Before you start talking bad about me, yes i think he should lose his job and certification ( if he has any ) and be disrepected in the manner in which he did this young lady. As far as having your cell phone at a scene, it is not the cell phones fault. Radios don't always work as they are designed ( and citizens have scanners ) so at times your only communication is a cell phone. You shouldn't need training on ethics about this sort of thing. YOU NEED TO HIRE PEOPLE THAT ALREADY HAVE ETHICS!!!

#2.1.1 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 01:31 PM

Well, let me rephrase: do spalding county fightfighters have to take an oath of office???

Who were the superiors there who allowed him to continue filming??? They should be held accountable as well.

#2.2 Paul D. Ruddy on 11/01/10 at 06:37 PM

As a matter of fact the firefighter's actions are not subject to criminal indictment but can be acted upon by the family in civil court naming the firefighter in his individual and official capacity and, naming the fire department which he represented, as additional defendants. The local Business and Professions Code is also a relevant avenue of investigation.

#3 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 02:45 AM

I think that it was moraly wrong to choose to send out videos to people of the accident scene, however, I dont feel that the man should lose his job. I have seen pictures of accident scenes before from people that work in career fields that require them to respond to an accident.
I personally think it is more of a respect thing for the dead and the family moreso a criminal act or something that would affect this mans career.

#4 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 03:21 AM

Welcome to the real world.

Remember "Blood flows red on the highway" in high school? Maybe if more people saw what can happen when you don't drive safely, folks would strive to improve their safety.

The firefighter had to go see that girl all mangled and dead, and had to deal with it, thats his job. I can't see why he can't take pictures or videos of what he has to see on a daily basis, especially if it can be used to educate people.

However, I find it in poor taste if it is used to try to impress or embarrass people. I would think the family of the victims should agree before any photos or videos are released publically.

It is what it is, and it is very unfortunate. The fireman should have been more responsible with this, however, the fact is, there isn't much of an expectation of privacy while you are in a car wreck. Walter or even a wrecker driver, or a passerby could have came by and took the photos for that matter.

#4.1 Sheila Tolley on 10/21/10 at 09:53 AM

Oh yeah! They have many educational classes going on at Buffaloe's Bar & Grill.

#4.1.1 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 02:15 PM

I'm sure you taught some of them too.

#4.1.1.1 Sheila Tolley on 10/25/10 at 04:28 PM

No way. My tips were too good at pole dancing.

#4.1.2 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 10:15 PM

there you go again you got to be the noseies woman who doesnt have nothing to do but to comment on everything on theses blogs . which you dont know nothing about everyone on theses blogs , personally i think you are one UGLY BBBBBB

#4.1.2.1 Sheila Tolley on 10/25/10 at 09:21 AM

Oh looky, looky, more intelligence from Anonymous. I enjoy reading worthless drivel from people too ashamed to give their name. Go watch scooby-doo with the other kids.

#4.1.2.1.1 C.O.C. on 10/25/10 at 03:31 PM

Hey Sheila, I think we need to take up donations to buy a computer with spell check and a grammar check on it for that poor little Anonymous #4.1.2. All of those errors make the comments hard to read and understand. I believe my intelligence level decreases every time I read one of those comments.

#4.1.2.1.1.1 Sheila Tolley on 10/25/10 at 04:16 PM

I think he got stuck on that B key. His tobacco juice must have hardened on his fingers at his last shot at his spittoon.

#4.2 Sheila Tolley on 10/21/10 at 01:54 PM

This person is Scruple Challenged, Walter isn't.

#4.3 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 02:18 PM

it dont matter what kinda programs are out there. This is someone's child,mother, sister and that should have never been taped. IF I was the Kempsons i would own spalding county for the rest of it days

#4.4 Anonymous on 10/25/10 at 12:56 AM

I'm an NPQ Firefighter II and have been for four years... I also work in a Level IItrauma Center. I see more than this firefighter on a daily basis. I feel you need to have respect for the public you serve and to treat them with honor. I know if it was one of my men I would not want a video like this floating around. There is a problem in the fire service right now with the hiring of those who do not honor and respect the job and therefor do not honor and respect the victim. It makes the rest of us look horrible and feel ashamed for the bad apples among our ranks.

#4.5 PikeCounty101 on 10/29/10 at 11:42 AM

your kidding me right yes he deserved to loose his job he deserves so much more for that matter. To do something so horrible, a person like that deserves jail or atleast a fine. what if this was one of your loved ones how would you feel? Would you say the same as you have now? I very much doubt that!!

#5 Howard on 10/21/10 at 04:17 AM

Sounds like something a Spalding fireman would do, I guess they are tired of job or bored with job. I know if it was my daughter I would have Bruce Harvey or another good lawyer on this mans butt. If he is on a job by being at the accident Spalding county should fire him for illegal cell phone use. When getting a call too a fire or accident, no fireman should have his phone. The bad thing, Spalding County can care less about the feelings of this family.

#5.1 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 05:30 AM

He should be fired for "illegal cell phone use"?

Under what law does this exist?

Please explain this.

#5.1.1 Anonymous on 10/23/10 at 10:02 AM

There isn't any such law.

Just another assumer, typing above their intelligence.

#5.2 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 09:56 AM

yeah, he gets to remain unidentified yet he exploited this horrible accident. Violating all unspoken rules of basic human decency. A doctor or nurse cannot convey ones private medical information to the public,nor can a police officer discuss sensitive information about peoples lives with the public.Yet a firefighter can take pictures of a mangled human being for his own entertainment and send it to all his friends. I think he should be fired.

#5.2.1 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 04:51 PM

Those "Privacy laws" you speal of don't apply in this situation. This was video taken at the scene of an accident. Read up on the law if you want to make accurate quotings of it.

Also, there is not any real expectation of privacy in that situation, anyone could have happened along and seen the accident and took photos, video, etc.

I do believe it was in poor judgement to pass it around to the public.

#6 I miss Angie... on 10/21/10 at 08:28 AM

My best friend was killed in May 2006 in horrific crash. I am sorry for the families loss. But filing a civil law suit against someone is not going to bring her back, nor is having to show the video in court going to make anyone feel any better. I opinion is to let it go. The more ranting and raving done the more attention is drawn to her death. Let her rest in peace...

#6.1 Sheila Tolley on 10/25/10 at 09:42 PM

Barnesville has some real strange ways of letting people rest in peace. Mighty strange.....

#7 Sheila Tolley on 10/21/10 at 09:42 AM

This is so totally rude and disrespectful. It reminds me of the gruesome fools that tried to get their hands on the pictures of Dale Earnhardt's brain after his terrible wreck. Keep him on suspension. Lucretia and Jeffrey have suffered enough. Can they at least keep their dignity?

#8 It's Me on 10/21/10 at 09:48 AM

What he did is not illegal ... but it is sickening.

#8.1 Sheila Tolley on 10/21/10 at 01:52 PM

But Civil cases can be such an aggravation.

#8.2 karen on 10/21/10 at 03:55 PM

SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#8.2.1 C.O.C. on 10/25/10 at 11:33 AM

karen, "shut up!!!!!!!!" is not an argument, only an indicator that you have nothing educated to say. Just in case you didn't know, this is a blog site...hence, there is an open invitation for educated conversations amongst bloggers.

#9 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 10:27 AM

leave this man alone....god bless you brother..im behind u

#10 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 12:43 PM

why cant they name the gutless little POS? why is he protected and she had her dead body shown to all his little F'd up drunk friends.how many other pictures and vedios have these people taken and shown around?

#10.1 Sheila Tolley on 10/21/10 at 01:51 PM

Good question.

#10.1.1 Anonymous on 10/25/10 at 12:20 AM

you are rite ,who know how many already have done that,but having got caught yet,and i think he should be fired,no respect for the family,and anybody else,How would he feel if that was one of he kids,if that if he got any,He didn't have nothing better else to do,but put more on the family,yes he is really sick,n need treatment,anybody does they really sick ,in need to find GOD,and the people who standing behind him,they as sick as him,they got problems,and he don't need more jobs dealing with the public.

#11 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 01:33 PM

He should be fired and the department should apologize. If they choose to back this man, they should be held accountable in a lawsuit.

#12 Goober Peas on 10/21/10 at 02:11 PM

If it was one of my family, the JERK better grow eyes in the back of his head!

#13 rhoda dunn on 10/21/10 at 02:38 PM

THIS IS SICKENING AND PERVERTISH TO SAY THE LEAST.

#14 Draconis on 10/21/10 at 03:17 PM

...Granted, those who respond to horrific traffic crashes regularly (Paramedics, LEOs, Firefighters, etc) can become desensitized to seeing this....but should never, ever, become so heartless towards those who trust them to be there when needed....

...This 'man' is a disgrace to the profession and should not be allowed to continue to serve in a capacity that he is obviously not equipped to handle.....His actions may not be illegal, but they were certainly immoral, unethical and inhumane.....

#15 No Job For You!!!! on 10/21/10 at 05:24 PM

If they want to take photo's of an accident scene for training fine, but the family needs to approve of it before it is shown.

If cell phones are county issued fine, but personal cell phones should stay at the firehouse!!

They might see this weekly or daily but it is their job. They shouldn't spread photos of loved ones around without permission.

The next photo might be of your daughter, wife or mom trapped upside down in her car with her dress up over her head. All the firemen taking pictures of their private parts to show around town.

It's all fun and games until it's your loved one!!!!!!!!

#16 H B on 10/21/10 at 06:03 PM

This person whoever they are, that take pictures like that and make them public, in my opinion, has some mental issues a professional should look at.

#17 Bill on 10/21/10 at 07:01 PM

Most agencies have a "conduct unbecoming" or "bring the agency undue embarrassment" policies that they can use in these situations. I really hope they terminate him. There really needs to be laws against first responders doing this type of thing. The military has made it unlawful for soldiers to photograph dead or injured persons on the battlefield.

#18 zebulon resident on 10/21/10 at 08:03 PM

those of you that are saying that what he did wasn't wrong are SICK!! I MEAN REALLY? wow! what has this world came to? Dana's family can't even sleep at night bc all they can see is this HORRIBLE VIDEO!! what if it were your daighter??? This man needs to be under the jail!!!

#18.1 Anonymous on 10/22/10 at 09:55 AM

I dont think that anyone would say that was morally right or wasnt disrespectful. Most of us are saying that its not illegal to do so. Give this man some sort of punishment for doing this and let him continue to work. What good comes out of firing this man from his job and making him look for another. Nothing was accomplished by doing that. The damage is already done.

#19 Ann on 10/21/10 at 09:20 PM

Did the fireman every consider what IF that was his mom,sister, or child and someone showed those pictures. No he didn't get he wanted to see how popular he could be. Well guess what he made the news around the world. Pure sick!

#20 I miss Angie... on 10/22/10 at 07:01 AM

I support the firefighter and hope he/she does not lose their job. Bad judgment, but not illegal.

#20.1 Anonymous on 10/23/10 at 10:17 AM

How stupid are you?? Takes a video of this and goes to Buffaloes to show his drunk buddies. You must be one of them. If he has time to walk around a scene and shoot a video sounds like they did not need him anyway. Just another goverment employee with nothing to do.

#20.2 Sheila Tolley on 10/25/10 at 09:24 AM

BUT totally unethical and unprofessional.

#20.3 Anonymous on 10/25/10 at 09:33 AM

And how would you feel about it if it were your sister, mother, child, brother or sister? Would you still be supporting him? Or do you think your connection would keep him from showing your family the same disrespect?

#21 Anonymous on 10/22/10 at 10:55 AM

This is not only unethical but it is on the lowest level of humanity. Being entertained and entertaining others with another persons misery is callous and heartless. This firefighters entertainment was the horrible death of someones daughter and a young child's mother. His actions are worse than unethical and unprofessional, they give his entire department and profession a bad name. I don't know how he looks at himself in the mirror.

#22 ~boogieman~ on 10/22/10 at 12:48 PM

Dealing with the elements of society "others" wish ~NOT~ to engauge in, does indeed offer added elements of various nature;, however; one`s intent can be questionable, even in a momentary lapse of reason & ALL The Facts taken in consideration prior to judgement`s.

#23 C.O.C. on 10/24/10 at 10:54 AM

There should be a great deal of concern about the fact that this fireman used a cell phone to video tape such a horrific scene. Does this man have a fetish for this type of thing? Why would he feel the need to record it? Most people record things for the purpose of future viewing....so, why would he want to see that again in the future. He really needs to be accessed for some sort of sick deviant fetish. It would be totally different had the recording been done for the purpose of an investigation in that accident but that is not done by fireman, it's done by investigators. So what was honestly his motivation?

#23.1 Anonymous on 10/24/10 at 05:36 PM

Calm down, seriously. I'm sure he sees this type of thing on a regular basis. Basically, it was gory and all, and made an amusing video to show to his buds, "look what I see at work". Throwing deviant fantasies out there is a little far fetched.

I think it was in poor taste, but still, there is no need to make something out of this that it isn't.

#23.1.1 C.O.C. on 10/25/10 at 07:03 AM

"Calm down, seriously." What???? Alright then, let me get this straight....if that had happened to your mother, you would not find that a recording of that nature for purpose of future viewing was completely sick and insensitive? You wouldn't question the motives of the person recording it? You'd just right it off as "poor taste"? Hum, I feel sorry for your friends and family then. I don't give a crap how often he sees that type of thing, if he is that desensitized to it, HE NEEDS TO FIND A NEW PROFESSION!! No one should have to live their lives hoping that nothing bad ever happens to them or their loved ones just because of the possibility of a rescue worker using their time and energy to video for the purpose of exploiting the victim...oh wait, I'm sorry... your exact words were "basically, it was gory and all, and made an AMUSING video to show to his buds...". You really used the word 'amusing'. What the hell is wrong with you? Are you the firefighter? If not, you need to get your head checked.

#23.1.1.1 Anonymous on 10/26/10 at 05:51 PM

Calm down.

Seriously.

#23.1.1.1.1 C.O.C. on 10/27/10 at 06:16 AM

In my comment, I made an argument for why I feel the way you do. In your comment, you did't, therefore you are not worth taking the time to converse with anymore....so, tata.

#23.1.1.1.2 C.O.C. on 10/27/10 at 06:18 AM

In my comment, I made an argument for why I feel the way you do. In your comment, you did't, therefore you are not worth taking the time to converse with anymore....so, tata.

#24 Cover Up on 10/24/10 at 08:31 PM

Better not sleep naked anymore! If your house catches on fire on they might just start snapping pix while they haul you out of the house.

#24.1 Anonymous on 10/25/10 at 05:08 AM

Seems logical.

Of course, the newspaper folks, or even a nosey neighbor could too.

#24.2 Sheila Tolley on 10/25/10 at 09:26 AM

The only thing this nameless fireman will be hauling is....his a$$ to Apologies-R-Us with a bunch of money.

#24.2.1 Anonymous on 10/25/10 at 11:32 AM

Shut up, woman!!

Haven't you figured out yet that NOBODY gives a crap about your opinion??

Do yourself and us a favor by going out and getting some Imodium for your diarrhea of the mouth.

#24.2.1.1 C.O.C. on 10/25/10 at 11:55 AM

Oh no! Did Sheila hurt your tiny feelings? I heard about a therapist that is supposed to be really good...Her name is Reality and she is located in the Real World. I'm pretty sure she is available 24/7 should you decide to get a life and stop using elementary comments like "shut up".

#24.2.1.2 Anonymous on 10/25/10 at 12:43 PM

Speak for yourself, some of us DO care about her opinion!

#24.2.1.3 Sheila Tolley on 10/25/10 at 04:26 PM

The most rewarding event in my life is when people (usually Anonymous)take so much time explaining that "NOBODY gives a crap about my opinion??"

For they are by far, my most loyal readers.

Now take your binky and go nite-nite. I will write you more to read tomorrow. Wait! Don't run with those scissors in your hand, you may fall and stick it in your wittle sweet heart.

#25 Anonymous on 10/25/10 at 11:01 AM

WHAT I DONT GET IS WHY IS HE NOT BEING GIVEN A HARSHER PUNSIHMENT????IF HE IS A FIREMAN OR AN EMT OR A FIRST RESPONDER, IT IS HIS JOB TO SHOW UP AT THE SCENE AND TAKE CARE OF THE VICTIMS AND THE WRECKAGE!!!NOT PHOTOGRAPH AND VIDEOTAPE IT!! THAT IS THE CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATORS JOB!!!THIS MAKES ME SICK.HIS FAMILY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HIM MAKING THIS DECISION.HE SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE ANY KIND OF POSITION WITH ANY STATE OR LOCAL AGENCY EVER AGAIN!!

#26 Anonymous on 10/25/10 at 03:25 PM

No question at all .. . poor taste. And should the agency do something about it? Certainly. Was he desensitized? Maybe, or maybe this was his first shift. Who knows. But I wonder how many people who are typing on here about how disgusting it was, first attempted to look it up on Youtube. And I wonder just how many of you are the rubberneckers who lose all track of what is going on around them when passing an accident scene just to try to get a brief glimpse of what is going on. Is that not the same? I wonder how many of you would have opened and watched the video (even if you knew what it was) before deleting it and chastising the man. Am I defending him? Maybe a little. But only because stones are being thrown for something that you, on a smaller level, are probably just as guilty of too. God bless the family, and may they find peace. And may we, who are taking the moral highground, remember that forgiveness is part of that religion we speak of on Sundays. And for those who are passing sentence already. . . don't think its your place to be doing so.

#26.1 Cover Up on 10/26/10 at 08:40 AM

Despite the Hollywood & video game culture of blood and guts, not everyone is into gore.

As far as passing judgement, that's a load. Think I'll let that Baker family in North Carolina babysit my son because I shouldn't "judge" them.

#27 Anonymous on 10/26/10 at 04:51 AM

Terrance Reid is the firefighters name

#27.1 Anonymous on 10/26/10 at 10:04 AM

Pic here: http://tinyurl.com/398o63g

#28 cats on 10/27/10 at 06:42 AM

Not interested in seeing any pics of the victim.
Hope Reid (no Mr. for you, buddy) loses his job.

#29 Jamie on 10/29/10 at 03:00 AM

This is an example of Gallows Humor.....another firefighter should have stepped in on this.....this man needs a break from the job and is about to crack. He shot a video for goodness sake, what more proof do you need. It looks like the SFD needs some more help with their firefighters and mental issues...are there no doctors on staff there for the firefighters and police to talk to?

#30 Tina on 10/30/10 at 10:59 AM

As a former wife of an EMT/FF, I know there are some bad apples in the bunch. But most of the ones on the force are not like this guy is. The mast majority of the guys do not share what they see on an accident/fire scene. I feel for this family as they have to relive their daughters death. But there are those in the business that get a "rise" out of showing their buddies this type of stuff...

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