Akron Firefighter Suspended For Spraying Activist

An Akron fire lieutenant who sprayed water at a local activist who was filming at a crime scene, has been suspended for 80 hours. The incident occurred on March 27, 2021 as firefighters were washing down a sidewalk where a fatal stabbing occurred.

The lieutenant, whose name has not ben publicly released, was placed on administrative leave on March 29. The suspension was imposed on April 8 and reportedly has been served. The discipline only recently became public.

The activist, who operates a YouTube Channel called Ryan Ohio Protests, posted a video of the incident promoting complaints from viewers. Here is a copy of the video:

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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