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Md. paramedic in firehouse contamination claims videos were ‘artistic’ expression

A Baltimore County Fire Department paramedic told a judge the sexually explicit videos were “role play” and denied wrongdoing as the fire department and county police investigate allegations of on-duty misconduct

Baltimore County Fire Department

Baltimore County Fire Department/Facebook

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — A Baltimore County Fire Department paramedic testified in court that he was being “artistic” when he posted sexually explicit videos recorded at his workplace and at home, the Baltimore Banner reported.

Christopher M. Carroll also denied allegations that he defaced personal belongings belonging to family members and co-workers during the incidents, according to testimony given on Dec. 29 during a civil hearing in Harford County District Court, the Baltimore Banner reported.

| EARLIER: Disease risk low in Md. firehouse contamination case, but psychological impact looms large, experts say

The hearing followed a protection order filed by Carroll’s estranged wife, who alleged he masturbated on her toothbrush and inside a mouthwash bottle.

“There’s also other titles [of videos] saying ‘my roommate’s something or other,’ or my friends or my co-workers,” Carroll said, according to a transcript of the proceedings. “And all of the above is all role play. It didn’t actually belong to anybody else.”

Both the fire department and Baltimore County police are investigating allegations of on-duty misconduct involving contamination of fire station equipment and food items.

Police and fire department spokespeople declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation and personnel policies, and the firefighters’ union president also declined to comment. Carroll and his attorney did not respond to requests for comment.

In court, Carroll said he created sexually explicit content for subscription-based and free platforms and described the videos as scripted “role play.” Many videos allegedly filmed in fire stations or referencing co-workers’ belongings were later deleted, according to a review of the accounts.

Baltimore County Fire Chief Joseph Dixon previously told staff the employee was “not in the workplace at this time,” according to emails obtained by the Baltimore Banner. Dixon said the investigation led the department to order hazmat cleaning across stations and offices, including lockers, appliances and vehicles, replace all ice machines, and offer employees counseling, peer support, crisis resources and health testing, with cleaning expected to be completed by Dec. 23.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.