The Memphis Fire Department has fired two EMTs and a lieutenant who arrived at the scene of Tyre Nichols‘ brutal assault for violating department policies.
On January 7 at 8:31 p.m., Memphis Fire Dispatch (MFD) received a call from the Memphis Police Department (MPD) to respond to a person being pepper sprayed at the intersection of East Raines Road and Ross Road. Per MFD protocol, First Responder company Engine 55 was dispatched at 8:32 p.m. and arrived on the scene at East Raines Road at 8:36 p.m.
After an initial conversation with a police officer at that location, Engine 55 was directed to the second location on Ross Road and Castlegate Lane.
Upon their arrival, EMT-Basic Robert Long and EMT-Advance JaMichael Sandridge found Tyre Nichols in handcuffs on the ground, propped up against a police vehicle at approximately 8:41 p.m.
The driver of Engine 55, Lieutenant Michelle Whitaker, never bothered to get out of the fire engine.
Memphis Fire Department’s investigation concluded that both EMTs failed to conduct an adequate patient assessment of Tyre Nichols, who was suffering internal bleeding.
They simply requested an ambulance.
EMT Basic Robert Long, EMT-Advance JaMicheal Sandridge, and Lieutenant Michelle Whitaker violated numerous MFD policies and protocols and have been fired from the Memphis Fire Department.
Read the full statement from Fire Chief Gina Sweat below.
On Monday morning, the Memphis Police Department announced they have relieved former officer Preston Hemphill of his duties.
Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Tyre Nichols’ family, announced a press conference for Tuesday where the family will respond to the administrative actions against two additional Memphis Police Officers and the firings of three Memphis Fire Department employees.
Please keep Tyre’s family uplifted in prayer.
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