TAMPA, Fla. — A firefighter from Tampa Fire Rescue was arrested on multiple charges Thursday morning.
Austin Lanyon faces transmission of harmful material to a minor by electronic equipment, lewd solicitation of a child and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, according to the agency.
The Stuart Police Department had reportedly started an investigation into Lanyon after receiving a tip.
Details of the investigation are limited at this time. However, fire officials said Lanyon has been suspended following his arrest. He had been part of the agency since 2022.
"This conduct is a violation of the values we uphold as firefighters," Fire Chief Barbara Tripp said in a statement. "Firefighters are sworn to help our community, yet in this case, this individual allegedly acted in direct contradiction to that oath. We hold our firefighters to the highest standards of integrity, and when one falls short of those expectations, it is our duty to ensure they are held accountable for their actions."
