ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — The firefighters’ union is fighting the termination of three members over bug zapper hazing claims, saying there was no just cause.

The Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of St. Lucie County Local 1377 President Ryan Sapp released a statement declaring that the union has formally demanded arbitration for three terminated firefighters and two suspended personnel.

Sapp argued that the incidents—which involved allegations of senior personnel using a modified bug zapper to shock newer employees—did not constitute hazing, citing a Fort Pierce Police Department report that characterized the behavior as “coworkers entertaining each other”.

The union also challenged the fairness of the district’s investigation, which was conducted by outside attorney John “J.K.” Keller IV. Sapp stated that union legal counsel believes the probe “was not conducted in an impartial or unbiased manner,” pointing out that “the nature of the questions asked, as well as the way in which they were asked or not asked, reflects a predetermined conclusion rather than an objective fact-finding process”.

See also: 3 fired, 2 suspended: Report details modified bug zapper used on rookie SLC firefighters

Sapp also noted that the law firm that conducted the review has now been retained by the district for the upcoming arbitration proceedings. Furthermore, two of the terminated firefighters, Jordon Hutchinson and Chris Baldwin, have issued separate statements alleging whistleblower retaliation.

‘Entertaining each other’: Firefighters’ union fires back after hazing termination. CBS12’s Paige Meyer reports.

The union’s response stands in stark contrast to the findings released by the Fire District.

Investigators found that senior personnel used a modified bug zapper to administer electric shocks to probationary and apprentice firefighters during incidents in March and September 2024. District officials said the conduct violated department policies and established a culture of hazing fueled by a significant power imbalance between senior employees and junior staff, according to previous reports.

While district officials maintain that the incidents were concealed until videos surfaced in March 2026, Local 1377 stated it remains willing to negotiate a resolution that would “avoid the significant costs of arbitration and save both the taxpayers and the Local a substantial amount of money”.

However, the union claims Fire Chief Jeff Lee “does not appear interested in pursuing such a resolution” as no proposed resolutions or concessions have been offered by the district.