Augusta firefighter accused of running over shooting victim calls firing 'retaliatory'

Alexandra Koch, Augusta Chronicle
·3 min read

A former Augusta firefighter accused of running over a mass shooting victim on May 13 and dragging the body more than 50 feet has appealed his resignation in lieu of termination – stating the action was "retaliatory."

Gregory Hartshorne, 52, of Augusta, was terminated on Aug. 25, but was later granted the opportunity to resign in lieu of termination by Fire Chief Antonio Burden, according to city records.

In the original termination letter, the city stated Hartshorne was in violation of a number of protocols, including:

  • Violating a safety rule or practice that could endanger a co-worker or member of the public;

  • Fraud, waste or abuse of the city's property or time;

  • Unauthorized vending or solicitation on city property or from a city vehicle;

  • Off duty conduct that reflects unfavorably on the city;

  • Violation of emergency vehicle operating procedures;

  • Violation of fire department dress code; and,

  • Violation of department ethics.

On Sept. 1, Hartshorne sent a letter to the city's human resources department rescinding his resignation, stating he was under duress during the time of the agreement, according to records. Hartshorne said he believed the action to terminate him was "unjust and retaliatory in nature."

In an explanation for the termination, the city cited his arrested in Harlem on March 30 for failing to comply with a police officer.

The Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council confirmed it did not receive notice of the arrest, which is required by the council from the agency and offender within 15 days of the incident, according to previous reporting.

Also mentioned by the city was an anonymous complaint submitted on May 19 related to Hartshorne allegedly soliciting business for his leather products while on duty, according to records.

Disciplinary action while working at Augusta Fire

Hartshorne had a relatively clean record throughout his 24-year career with Augusta Fire Department, receiving his most recent promotion to shift commander in 2022, according to previous reporting.

However, the May 13 incident wasn't his first crash in a fire department vehicle. Hartshorne was written up for a couple of minor infractions in his first few years at Augusta Fire, but has two notable reports in his disciplinary file.

On Feb. 14, 2004, while serving as sergeant, Hartshorne was issued a verbal warning for being at-fault for a collision involving a fire department vehicle, according to city records.

In a disciplinary action form, Hartshorne's supervisor noted he put a vehicle into reverse without securing the parking brake, causing the vehicle to roll backward while Hartshorne thought it was in drive.

The Safety Review Committee reviewed the crash and determined Hartshorne was at fault for the crash, according to city documents. The damage totaled $1,415.88 and Hartshorne was required to pay a damage assessment of $141.58.

No appeals to the decision were included in Hartshorne's personnel file, provided by the city.

On June 30, 2020, Augusta Fire Department received a letter from the Human Resources Office regarding a hostile work environment caused by then-Battalion Chief Hartshorne, according to document drafted by former Chief Christopher James.

No other documents regarding the complaint were provided by the city.

Previous report: Augusta firefighter who ran over body had highs and lows in 24-year career

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta firefighter accused of running over body rescinds resignation