A group of Marion County Fire and Rescue employees is facing serious charges after allegedly assaulting and waterboarding a 19-year-old colleague during what authorities called a “violent hazing incident.”

According to NBC News, four employees — Edward Kenny III, 22; Seth Day, 22; Tate Trauthwein, 19; and Kaylee Bradley, 25 — were arrested after an investigation by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office revealed the disturbing details of the attack. All four have since been fired, Fire Chief James Banta announced at a Wednesday press conference.

Officials said the hazing occurred at Fire Station 21 in Ocala on Nov. 16 after the employees became agitated when the victim refused to show them a TikTok video on his phone. What began as harassment reportedly escalated into physical assault and humiliation.

Sheriff's office details violent sequence

Sheriff Billy Woods said the incident started when the suspects smeared grease on the victim and chased him around the firehouse parking lot. When the young firefighter fled to retrieve his boots, which had been thrown into nearby woods by Trauthwein, Kenny allegedly tackled him from behind, initiating a violent struggle. Day and Kenny pinned the victim down while Trauthwein removed his belt and partially undressed him, authorities said.

Investigators reported that Trauthwein and Bradley then took the victim's phone and demanded his passcode. When he refused, Trauthwein struck him with the belt as Kenny and Day restrained him. The group allegedly attempted multiple times to unlock the phone before it automatically locked.

According to the sheriff’s report, Trauthwein then pulled down the victim’s underwear and whipped him again before the group escalated the attack further. Authorities say the suspects dragged the victim to another area of the station, forced a towel over his face, and poured water over it several times in a method resembling torture.

Officials condemn ‘frat house’ behavior

“This type of behavior is absolutely disgraceful,” Marion County Commissioner Carl Zalak said during a public statement. “The firehouse is not a frat house, and this will not be tolerated.” Zalak’s remarks echoed widespread condemnation from county leaders following the arrests.

Fire Chief Banta emphasized that the department is cooperating fully with the sheriff’s investigation and reviewing the conduct of everyone present during the hazing. “Our department’s integrity and professionalism must be beyond reproach,” Banta said, confirming that additional disciplinary measures could be taken if others are found complicit.

The sheriff’s office credited the fire and rescue supervisors for promptly reporting the allegations once they learned of the incident. Woods said the swift internal action ensured that detectives could gather physical and testimonial evidence before any potential tampering.

Charges filed and next legal steps

Kenny, Day, and Trauthwein face charges of kidnapping, robbery, and battery, while Bradley is charged with robbery and acting as a principal or accessory, according to the sheriff’s office. All four were booked into the Marion County Jail and are awaiting their initial court appearances.

Prosecutors are expected to determine whether additional charges, including aggravated battery or assault, could be warranted as they review the full investigative report.

Remarkably, Sheriff Woods noted that the 19-year-old victim declined to take a leave of absence following the incident. Instead, he returned to work soon after the arrests, telling investigators he “has a job to do.” Woods described the young firefighter as “resilient” and committed to serving the community despite the trauma he endured.

Lessons to Learn

1. Understand your workplace rights and boundaries: No matter the setting, physical harm, forced submission, or coercion of any kind is unacceptable behavior and never justified under the guise of tradition or initiation.

2. Report early warning signs: If hazing behaviors begin, such as humiliation, intimidation, or forced participation, employees should document the incidents and report them immediately to supervisors or human resources. Early intervention can prevent escalation.

3. Know that victims are never at fault: Even with preparation and vigilance, anyone can become a target of abuse. It is vital to remember that the blame lies solely with the perpetrators, not the victim, no matter the circumstances.

Why This Story Matters

This case highlights the dangers of unchecked hazing in professional work environments. In organizations tasked with public safety, accountability and trust are paramount. Such incidents erode not only morale within departments but public confidence in essential services like fire and rescue. The events at Fire Station 21 serve as a reminder that abuse of power can occur in any setting. Transparency and swift disciplinary action are crucial in addressing these failures and ensuring a culture of respect and safety.

Conclusion

On Nov. 16, 2025, four Marion County Fire and Rescue employees in Ocala, Florida, were accused of violently hazing a 19-year-old colleague at Fire Station 21. The incident included physical restraint, forced attempts to unlock the victim’s phone, whipping, and multiple episodes of waterboarding. Authorities arrested Edward Kenny III, Seth Day, Tate Trauthwein, and Kaylee Bradley on various felony charges. All four have since been fired by the fire department. The victim, though traumatized, has remained on duty. A departmental investigation is ongoing to determine if other individuals may have been complicit.