Tuesday, March 5, 2013

** Former Ohio paramedic arrested for physically abusing toddler

** Arizona firefighter fighting demotion to paramedic after sexual harassment allegations

UNITED STATES NEWS

** An Ohio paramedic has been charged with physically abusing a 22-month-old child after daycare workers noticed the girl’s injuries. 10TV (March 2) said Terry Hoffer, Jr., 27, of Licking County, was arrested last week on felonious assault charges. According to the newspaper, Hoffer was the boyfriend of the tot’s mother. He was taken into custody after hospital workers examining the girl indicated deliberate abuse was involved in the infliction of her injuries. Along with bruising in both ears, the little one also had burns on her hands, shoulder, and chest, as well as injuries on her back, buttocks, and arms. Hoffer is currently in the local jail pending the posting of a $100,000 bond. A firefighter/paramedic with the Heath Fire Department for three years, he quit his job after testing positive for marijuana and crashing a department vehicle. During a Friday court appearance, prosecutors said there was an open warrant on Hoffer for writing bad cheques. His girlfriend also told the court he was an Oxycodone user.

** A former Tuscon fire captain is protesting his demotion to paramedic after being accused of sexual assault and harassment. The Arizona Daily Sun (March 2) said Roger Sloan Tamietti says his punishment is excessive, given that he committed no crime. According to the newspaper, Tamietti has had three misdemeanor charges filed against him. Male firefighter Cody Jenkins launched a suit last month against the city claiming Tamietti straddled him and ground against him while the two were at a fire station. He then pushed Jenkins over the back of a couch. Tamietti maintains most of Jenkins’ account is false.