Fire Chief Marvin Riggins
Macon Bibb Fire Chief Marvin Riggins says some firefighters could lose their jobs or their rank over a prank video taped in a Bibb County fire station.
Riggins spoke in a Tuesday afternoon news conference at Macon city hall.
He said he was "appalled" by the video.
Riggins said at least five firefighters were involved in staging the prank, which involved a hoax shooting staged at Fire Station 108. He says a firecracker was used to simulate the sound of a gunshot.
"We do take this seriously," he said, because it could cause physical injury.
While firehouse pranks are not uncommon, he said, "We have a zero tolerance for hazing, for physical horseplay, for physical altercations."
The video was posted to YouTube and shows a prank that was reportedly staged on firefighters Sunday at Fire Station 108. That's on Peake Road.
It shows a masked man entering the fire station and people hitting the floor as the man seems to fire shots. The gunman grabs one firefighter off the floor and drags him across the room and off camera.
Riggins says he's collected information on the matter and is considering possible discipline.
Reichert spoke to 13WMAZ after speaking to the Macon Kiwanis about the upcoming November SPLOST vote. He would not comment on the video in detail, saying it is still under investigation.
Earlier today, Mayor Robert Reichert says the prank video is "totally inappropriate."
The mayor said any discipline in the case would come from Riggins, who is investigating the matter.
Earlier today, the Bibb County Sheriff's Office said it is also investigating the video.
Sgt. Sean DeFoe says Riggins asked the sheriff's office to look at whether a crime was committed.
However, DeFoe says no formal complaint has been filed in the case, and no one reported a crime being committed.
Tuesday morning, DeFoe said he had not yet watched the video himself.