A New York Volunteer Fire Company chief has been suspended from his duties after he was caught on video using inappropriate language to a young girl in distress
A disgraced fire chief has been suspended after he told a 10-year-old girl to “shut the f*** up” as she is strapped to a stretcher during an emergency call-out.
North Babylon Volunteer Fire Company Chief Peter Alt was caught on video shouting at the upset child in West Babylon, New York on Monday, August 4. In a now viral video, which has been watched more than 4.5million times on TikTok, the girl was visibly upset as she was placed into an ambulance.
“Shut the f*** up! Deal with you every f****** day,” Alt is heard shouting at the youngster. The girl, who was strapped to a stretcher, can be heard shouting: “I don’t want to go! I want to go home!” “Shut your mouth,” the fire chief can be heard shouting back. It comes after a schoolboy, 13, has both legs amputated after ‘getting cramp’ at sports camp.
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The incident was captured on video by a concerned neighbour and Alt, a 22-year veteran with North Babylon Volunteer Fire Company, has since been stripped of his duties, the company confirmed in a statement.
“We have become aware of an incident which occurred last night, August 4, 2025 between a member of the North Babylon Fire Company and a minor during an aided call wherein the member is alleged to have used inappropriate language toward the minor,” North Babylon Volunteer Fire Company said in a statement
“The member has been relieved of all of his duties pending a full and thorough investigation whereupon appropriate action will be taken. The fire company is presently reviewing all of its training, policies, and procedures and will determine if further training with respect to responding to emergency calls is required.
“The fire company does not condone this behaviour and deems it unacceptable.”
It’s been reported that the family has called first responders for the 10-year-old before, but in the past responders have always been understanding. The girl’s mother slammed Alt in an interview with Newsday on Wednesday.
“He was supposed to protect her and help her, not verbally abuse her,” she said. “He failed her. At no point should a child or human be spoken to like that ever.”
The child’s grandmother told NBC New York earlier this week that police were called because the girl became emotionally distressed after her phone was taken away from her. The girl has since secluded herself at home and “didn’t want to go to school”, the grandmother said.
“She has anxiety. She will need therapy,” she added. A number of officers from the Suffolk County Police Department were also in attendance during the call-out and afterwards reported the incident to their supervisor, the department said in a statement obtained by Newsday.
Town of Babylon officials have since released a statement on Facebook condemning the fire chief’s “appalling” actions. “The use of demeaning and inappropriate language by a first responder during an aided call is appalling and completely at odds with the standards of dignity, respect, and professionalism our residents deserve,” the statement read.
“We understand that the individual involved has been relieved of duty while a full investigation takes place and we expect a full and transparent review of the incident.” It added: “The Town of Babylon condemns this conduct in the strongest possible terms and stands with the affected family and all residents who rely on our emergency services in their times of need.”