St. Lucie County Fire Chief Jeff Lee terminated three senior firefighters over the weekend following an investigation into an alleged hazing incident reported to the department in March 2026. An investigative summary prepared by an outside law firm hired by the St. Lucie County Fire District concluded that senior personnel had modified a bug zapper to shock three apprentice firefighters while on duty in 2024.
The investigation was launched after six videos surfaced that appeared to show hazing, workplace violence or other misconduct. Lee said in his statement that the investigation found the three employees were subjected to hazing by senior personnel and supervisors. Two other firefighters were suspended.
A Fort Pierce Police report obtained by WPTV reaches a different conclusion. A Fort Pierce police officer wrote that after interviewing the three firefighters who were shocked, he found there was no criminal matter behind the alleged hazing and that the videos showed coworkers entertaining each other. The report states the acts were done by their own will, and that every person originally listed as a victim said they are not victims and did not want to continue the investigation.
The St. Lucie County Chapter of the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Union disputes the investigation, with President Ryan Sapp writing that it was not conducted in an impartial or unbiased manner and reflects a predetermined conclusion. The union is demanding arbitration on behalf of the three terminated firefighters and the two suspended.