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Spalding firefighter filmed body of accident victim

Posted by
Rachel McDaniel
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Thursday, October 21. 2010
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A Spalding County firefighter is on investigatory suspension after using his cell phone to film the mangled body of a traffic accident victim. The victim's family lives in Pike County.

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#1 Sheila Tolley on 10/21/10 at 09:02 AM
This is so totally rude and disrespectful. It reminds me of the gruesome fools that tried to get their hands on the pictures of Dale Earnhardt's brain after his terrible wreck. Keep him on suspension. Lucretia and Jeffrey have suffered enough. Can they at least keep their dignity?
#2 medic on 10/21/10 at 09:36 AM
I agree Sheila....but they are wrong about the laws...they need to research the HIPPA laws and I think they will find laws have been violated. Thay also need to look into which officers from the fire department were on scene and allowed this to take place and dish out the punishment that he deserves!!!
#3 Kimmer on 10/21/10 at 09:55 AM
This is wrong on so many levels. I can't even begin to imagine how the Kempson's feel. I will keep them in my prayers.
#4 Rob Roy on 10/21/10 at 10:05 AM
Unfortunately, HIPAA has no teeth. There have been very few successful criminal prosecutions and almost all of them are against Hospitals, Insurance companies, etc.

Losing his job will be the extent of punishment for this I'm afraid.
#5 Pike Reader on 10/21/10 at 11:08 AM
So, the barbarian is on leave with pay? In other words he's enjoying a nice vacation! Officials stating 'Pending investigation' is BS. The video he has on HIS phone is proof that he is a piece of $%*@. Forget rather or not filming her death scene was anything "illegal"...FIRE him for being a barbaric, evil, sick, heartless, pathetic excuse for a human being. Release his name and let someone "deal" with him and teach him a lesson...country boy style. If someone is a frequent patron of Buffalo's and knows quite a few waitresses/managers they should dig deep to find out who that creep is and get the word out in Griffin, Pike, to WKEU and WSB!!!
#6 Professional Fire/Medic on 10/21/10 at 12:04 PM
This situation is shameful and extremely disgraceful to our profession. He should be fired and the Georgia Firefighters Council should revoke his certification and if he is an EMT the state ought to do the same. I hope there would be some type of law he violated, so the family can seek retribution.

Rob Roy, sorry but if you knew what the HIPPA laws were you would understand this does not apply. HIPPA has teeth, google the incident where a senators daughters info about a STD got into the public fourm. ouch!!!!
#7 A'SHIRLEY on 10/21/10 at 12:28 PM
Agreed! Theres not more respect left in this world!!
#8 A'SHIRLEY on 10/21/10 at 12:32 PM
Lets not forget that someone was responsible for hiring this joker...
#9 Confused on 10/21/10 at 12:35 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong here, but did the fireman show her family the video or did someone else show the family the video? It's one thing if the fireman showed it to a coworker regardless of where he was, but if that person went and showed it to the family, then I question his thoughtfullness...
#10 Donna Jo on 10/21/10 at 01:46 PM
This is unethical behavior on his part. In his profession I'm sure they see terrible things at times. It could desensitize him to such. My guess is he's probably Ex-military and has saw plenty of blood & guts.

When I first heard about it I thought it was accident pictures took at the time as evidence in case there was a need for further investigation.

I do believe photos & film should be taken at accidents for evidence, but not for public distribution.

When someone dies in a accident sometimes its not a accident at all, and should be documented, filmed, photographed, and evidence collected in case there is need for it.
#11 Rob Roy on 10/21/10 at 01:54 PM
I create software for hospital records, I'm very familiar with HIPAA laws. I did not say that they are never prosecuted. I just said they are rare and usually against hospitals or other organizations, not individuals.

The fact that it was a senators daughter may have had a lot to do with that case anyway. You know they are better than the rest of us.
#12 Concord Resident on 10/21/10 at 02:59 PM
NO, the firefighter didn't show it to the family. He showed it to a bar full of patrons! "Hey man, check this sh*t out". Then he sent it to someone, who sent it to someone else, and so on.....until someone who knew the family told Jeff and Lucretia about it. It was then sent to Jeff.

Does that make it better somehow for you? WHY? I'm a member of the Kempson family. Tell me why "that's one thing"?? It shouldn't have happened AT ALL!
#13 Anon on 10/21/10 at 03:07 PM
This firefighter in Spalding ain't the only one doing this. My brother-in-law blew his brains out, and it was recording by a Pike Co. firefighter. The only reason I know is a co-worker(without knowing brother-in-law killed himself)told me of pictures his friend had sent him of the scene.He told me the address, and what happened. He said he told him this is very disrespectful,and erased it. I wished he still had it , so we could prove this happens alot.
Sorry, to hear this got back to this family. I know the family and it has to be a hard thing to deal with. My husband and I said when there was pictures of his brother floating around, that we hope it doesn't get back to the family.
#14 Professional Fire/Medic on 10/21/10 at 03:12 PM
Well they think they are better than us.
#15 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 03:13 PM
Was he involved in patient care? If not, I don't believe HIPPA applies. I don't believe SCFD delves much into the medical side.
#16 A'SHIRLEY on 10/21/10 at 03:39 PM
Correct but he took this with his "PERSONAL" cell phone and sent it to others at the fire department. From there another firefighter took it and showed ppl at the bar and then sent out it out to other friends. I belive there is more than one that should be on leave if you ask me...
#17 karen on 10/21/10 at 03:48 PM
I say let Mrs.Kempson video her husband beating the holy crap out of this fire fighter and let the public stand and watch.
Why is he even being paid while on leave,he should never be able to work again.
Why not put his name out there and that way nobody will ever give respect.
Whoever you are I hope you never sleep again.
#18 Pike Reader on 10/21/10 at 04:44 PM
It should not matter WHO he showed the video to. The fact that he even made the video and then showed it to ANYONE when it was not HIS job to do so is what is so disturbing about the character and ethics of this "person". Your post sounds like you are trying to justify his actions and make excuses for him. Would you want pictures or videos of any of YOUR loved ones texted to a bunch of strangers simply for shock value and morbid curiosity??
#19 PCVFF on 10/21/10 at 06:35 PM
I agree with you about this being unethical behavior. When chief Henderson refused to run that call in Clayco. that would be considered unethical too, but somehow many here in Pike support and embrace his behavior. Where do we draw the line with these people? All around the metro area firefighters are doing very stupid things and brings disgrace to their profession.
#20 Anonymous on 10/21/10 at 08:18 PM
who cares about HIPPA!!! This is about respect for the dead and human decency!!
#21 Leslie on 10/22/10 at 05:45 AM
I just wanted to tell Jeff and Lucretia how truly sorry I am for their loss. I hope that you get this message. Hopefully you'll remember me from the lawn mower place. You guys did not deserve this but I wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers always.
#22 Confused on 10/22/10 at 06:22 AM
That is what I should have said in my comments. When the firefighter sent the video out, the first one receving it could have ended it all there by deleting it. But it sounds like he sent it out and then others that received it also sent it out. I, too, believe that more than one should be punished.
#23 Holy Pike Patriot on 10/22/10 at 06:36 AM
There yous goes again blaming Lt. Henderson when you dont know what your posting about. Pike Fire Cheif Henderson is a blessing to our county. He has put things in order with OSHA, lowered your insurance premiums and set a Fire Tax fee that is fair to all. My uncle was a fireman and I know what I'm talking about.

willynilly 17

IN GOD WE TRUST
#24 What the Heck on 10/22/10 at 07:37 AM
Anyone Here old enough that they showed You "Signal 30" in school to try and scare you into safe and sober driving habits. Wow grow up people Most of you out there would pay to see this video right now. And if You had a copy You would share it.

Hollier than Thou, Bull Hit.
#25 Anonymous on 10/22/10 at 08:38 AM
maybe the sociopaths would.
#26 AVTECH on 10/22/10 at 09:08 AM
Does anybody else thinks is kinda strange how the firefighters name is being withheld??? I mean why not tell us who he is??? Don't give me no bulls*** about he has rights and we would be violating the privacy laws, because obviously he didn't give a crap about the victim nor her family's rights OR most importantly their feelings. I pray God will comfort this family now and forever.
#27 Concord Resident on 10/22/10 at 09:09 AM
Grow up? Shut up.
#28 DUI on 10/22/10 at 11:11 AM
They are all trying to ignore the fact that this lady was under the influence when she crashed. Being she didnt kill or injure anyone else (thank god) I guess they do not see any reason to state that information. Another case of how every one is so great when they pass away. If someone was coming head on in the other lane they would be signing a whole different song. I do not even know why the firefighter is suspended. He did not violate any law. Maybe he was under the influence also that night and made a dumb choice. So now this story is about two people who made stupid choices. One lived to tell about it.
#29 A'SHIRLEY on 10/22/10 at 01:07 PM
I'm sure if they really wanted to get the point across they would have hired a make~up artists and some actors or actress to make a short clip. You really don't have to have the real thing now a days to be able to get your point across!!!!!! Its called MORALS & RESPECT. I hope to God you don't have to go through this one day with one of your family memebers!!!!
#30 ANON on 10/22/10 at 01:33 PM
I LOST MY CHILD IN A TRAGIC ACCIDENT. MY HEART IS BREAKING FOR THIS FAMILY. I PRAY THAT THIS GUY IS HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS ACTIONS AND THAT THIS FAMILY CAN FIND PEACE REALLY SOON. I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU ALL DURING THIS HORRIBLE TIME. I KNOW THE PAIN OF HAVING YOUR CHILD SUDDENLY TAKEN AWAY BUT CAN NOT IMAGINE THE PAIN OF HAVING TO SEE IMAGES YOU HAVE HAD TO SEE. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL DURING THIS TIME.
#31 Anon on 10/22/10 at 02:49 PM
Maybe next time he'll video one of your family members, and I bet your not saying this Sh*t then. Only a sick individual would do this.
#32 I dunno on 10/22/10 at 03:16 PM
I want to know who sent it to Jeff. Did that person warn Jeff of what he was about to see and try to discourage him from viewing it at all.
#33 Today Show on 10/22/10 at 03:38 PM
According to The Today Show interview, his ex-brother in law received the video and recognized the person. He called the father and told him about the video and the father asked for him to send it. You can watch on You Tube.
#34 Anonymous on 10/22/10 at 03:42 PM
Who was the ass that showed the video to the family anyway,? that's whos ass needs kiking.
#35 anon on 10/22/10 at 05:19 PM
You wouldn't be saying this if this was a family member of yours. Say dear old mom was videoed (dead) and sent to you ,how would you feel then? Drunk or not, this still doesn't excuse this firefighter and his stupidity.
#36 Surf- Rat on 10/22/10 at 06:25 PM
I admit it, I went to you-tube to see the video and they had already taken it down. There was over 235 views.
#37 Anonymous on 10/23/10 at 06:38 PM
You bring up a good point. To me it is obvious that making the video shows a lack of judgment and/or character and in my opinion the FF that made the video should be terminated by SCFD. What I don't understand is why ANY of the family members viewed the video. It would have been simple to have a family friend view and determine whether or not the video was of their family member. I understand their anger but why did they view it? What was their motivation? If this happened to one of my family members the last thing I would do or allow another family member to do is watch a video of the death scene. Makes you wonder.
#38 LastCall on 10/25/10 at 11:10 AM
This is why I do not drink and drive. It always ends with a story with a horrible ending.
#39 Anonymous on 10/25/10 at 11:14 AM
Lack of judgment is the reason why this firefighter was even there.
#40 ScaredStraight on 10/25/10 at 11:40 AM
Nobody thinks this will happen to them. The real thing has a much greater effect on people than props. Its like the scared straight prison program. You can show juvenile offenders all the films you want about jail and they will giggle and joke about it. Put them in a real prison system for a day and they will be balling there eyes out. And they know they are only there for a day. If that video saved one life it was worth it. There was no way that firefighter could have saved her life but I am sure he would have if he could.
#41 ScaredStraight on 10/25/10 at 11:42 AM
Nobody thinks this will happen to them. The real thing has a much greater effect on people than props. Its like the scared straight prison program. You can show juvenile offenders all the films you want about jail and they will giggle and joke about it. Put them in a real prison system for a day and they will be balling there eyes out. And they know they are only there for a day. If that video saved one life it was worth it. There was no way that firefighter could have saved her life but I am sure he would have if he could.
#42 fat bass tard on 10/25/10 at 12:08 PM
well at least we can agree on one thing...
#43 Anonymous on 10/25/10 at 02:45 PM
Just hope this is the last video. I hear some of them funeral homes like to make their own "movies" also.
#44 Anonymous on 10/25/10 at 04:37 PM
But they do it for the lawyers who give them cuts when they get the big settlement.
#45 Anonymous on 10/26/10 at 04:51 AM
Terrance Reid is the firefighters name
#46 SayCheese! on 10/26/10 at 10:06 AM
This case can become a landmark decision. Kempson-Schact vs. SCFD. All them movie stars can use it as grounds to sue the paparazzi. I have a cousin in jail that is thinking about suing now because he feels disrespected for being filmed as he committed his criminal act. I guess why not. All these people did not consent to being filmed. There is no law against what Reid did. Some people think there should be. But just as you can see from reading the replies it is not even unanimous with this handful of people. Good luck trying to convince a jury. The one on this blog said not guilty.
#47 Donna Jo on 10/26/10 at 11:34 AM
The thing about this is, "It's their daughter!" They didn't give their permission to use this video to educate kids about drinking and driving or for other viewing purposes.

They should have to sign a waiver for it to be shown legally.

The fact is people in general slow to look at accidents and blood and gore. As I said before some people are desensitized to it.

The guys in service now take pictures and video of blood and gore all the time. They see it, and when the enemy got killed and they survived it's a record of he didn't get us or me.

I remember the movies, The faces of death and Shocking Asia. People do enjoy this kind of thing to a certain extent. I saw it myself.

The difference is, this person didn't belong to me. This isn't my child, or love one. Grieving is hard enough without a reminder showing up every time your having a good day.

This girl was a mother. Her children will grow up and be looking and doing things with friends one day that their Daddy and Grand Parents think they shouldn't. Kids snick around and do things.

Her family should never have to worry about her children seeing their mothers body mutilated in this accident.
#48 Cindy on 10/26/10 at 01:38 PM
I agree it should not have happened at all.
If you are a firefighter, EMT or anything in the medical profession, you are in it I would think to help people. That was a disgrace to the family as well as a disgrace to the Griffin fire department. This guy should never be allowed to work in that profession again.
It was a bad judgement on his part but one that he should have never made.You would have to be sick person to do someone that way. I know the Kempson family very well and kin to them as well.
My heart goes out to this family.
#49 V.Brown on 10/26/10 at 02:07 PM
These "sick" people have videos like this all over the internet. And these videos are getting thousands of hits. No laws have been broken. I am sure people like YOU would love to make up laws to crucify people when YOU think they have done something wrong. But as this country became civilized laws have been put in place so people like YOU could not make them up whenever they think they seem fit. Maybe this incident will motivate you to get a law passed through congress being you are so deeply touched by this incident. But I highly doubt that. Maybe if more people worry about being videoed when they are dead they will quit taking life (theirs and others) for granted and do more to prevent winding up that way.
#50 Sheila Tolley on 10/27/10 at 12:33 PM
Well said.
#51 OnSecondThought on 10/27/10 at 02:16 PM
Do not start talking about suing Pike County now, my taxes are high enough. These retards on here do not realize that if anyone winds up paying it will fall burden on the tax payers. Once they realize that they will give it all a second thought.
#52 Get ready ! on 10/29/10 at 11:22 AM
A new suggested "fee" is coming to Pike County. It appears it has already been written up by the Paid Volunteer Fire Chief. The fee to each household will be $25 per member living there. It is a Emergency Ambulance EMT Fee (not a tax). If you need a ambulance and are not on the plan your call will be referred outside Pike County.

Go Big Chief oh Great One.
#53 no no on 11/03/10 at 04:09 PM
Did this joker even try and help the victim ?Was any thing like that on the video ? May god be with her family right now.I hope the firefighter can sleep at night.He somehow needs to right this terrible wrong he has done.
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