Tampa firefighter accused of lewd solicitation of a child

TAMPA, Fla. - A firefighter in Tampa has been suspended pending an investigation in South Florida.

Few details have been released, but Tampa Fire Rescue says Austin Lanyon is being investigated by the Stuart Police Department and was arrested in Tampa on Thursday.

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He has been charged with transmission of harmful material to a minor by electronic equipment, lewd solicitation of a child and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.

Courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

"This conduct is a violation of the values we uphold as firefighters," said Fire Chief Barbara Tripp. "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."

Lanyon has been employed by Tampa Fire Rescue since 2022.

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