Azle firefighter filmed allegedly abusing dog and child resigns from department
The Azle firefighter seen apparently beating a dog in a now-viral video has resigned, according to a statement from the Azle firefighters’ union.
“We appreciate the concern the alleged abuse has caused within our community,” the statement reads in part. “We emphasize: under no circumstances would we have attempted to defend the alleged misconduct had we been asked to do so. What was depicted in the video was deeply disturbing to all within our association.”
The firefighter was placed on administrative leave earlier this week, the Star-Telegram previously reported.
The video, apparently filmed in the living room of the former firefighter’s Fort Worth home by a Ring camera, shows the man dragging a dog over to the sofa. He then aggressively hits and kicks the animal multiple times as it tries to escape, the video shows.
Another video that has been shared on social media shows the man yelling at a child, according to the Azle firefighters’ union.
The Fort Worth Police Department is handling the ongoing investigation. No criminal charges have been filed.
Fort Worth Fire Department officials said in a social media post that they want “to make it very clear that we DO NOT condone abuse of any kind. We have seen and read the numerous messages of concern sent to us regarding the disturbing videos circulating online. Please know that while the firefighter in the video resides in Fort Worth, he is NOT employed by the Fort Worth Fire Department.”
