Firefighter accused of placing camera in woman's bathroom at fire station

Reporter Ken Lemon is asking what happened with the case of a Gaston County firefighter accused of placing a hidden camera in the women's bathroom at Crowders Mountain Volunteer Fire and Rescue.

The incident is expected to be the subject of conversation at Tuesday night’s meeting of the department's board of directors.

Chief Eric Withers told Lemon that he cannot talk about situation until the board meeting ends. He would not discuss whether the firefighter, believed to be a juvenile, was an active member.

County officials believe his membership was removed after the camera was found.

According to Gaston County administrators, the incident happened in October. The department also serves as a home base for an EMS team with female medics.

A few weeks later, department officials asked Gaston County human resources officials to conduct sexual harassment training for their staff.

The Gaston County Fire Marshal's Office said Crowders Mountain Volunteer Fire Department is the second largest department in the county, behind the Gastonia Fire Department, with 50 members. Four members are women.

"It's unbelievable," resident Tony Hamilton said. "You have to go in people's houses and homes and stuff and he shouldn't be allowed in there."

Channel 9 was told the camera was pulled before anyone was recorded. A report was taken, but no charges were filed.

"I have never heard of anything like that going on since the 30 years that I have been up there," former Chief Mike Moss said.

The accused firefighter was able to reapply as a volunteer after waiting for six months, but he pulled his application Monday.

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