MACON, Ga. — A firefighter is arguing that his punishment for a video prank in Macon-Bibb County, Ga., is unfair.
Firefighter Jessie White, one of eight firefighters disciplined for the Sept. video, said that he received the same 10-day suspension as another firefighter with a more active role in the prank, according to Macon.com.
The colleague in question, Firefighter Christopher Houston, was off duty when he came to the station wearing a white shirt with ketchup on it and pretending to be hurt for the video.
The video shows a gunman threatening firefighters with a BB gun. Firefighter White said his only role in the video was falling to the floor and acting afraid.
Fire Chief Marvin Riggins said Firefighter White’s part in the prank was that of an actor, just like Firefighter Houston’s part, so their punishments were tailored to their actions.
The video was planned partly by Firefighter White’s commanding officer, Macon.com says. He said that was the only reason he participated and that he had never taken part in a prank before.
“I felt it would be OK to follow her role,” he said.