A Milwaukee firefighter was tricked by three other firefighters into performing a lewd act while on duty.
A source told 12 News a relief lieutenant was working when he performed the act for an Internet camera.
The people watching in a chat room were firefighters at another engine house. The source said they tricked the lieutenant into thinking the person at the other end was a woman.
When the lieutenant realized it was a hoax he came clean to officials and went on sick leave.
The three others have been suspended for not cooperating with the investigation.
"You're thinking, 'What the heck is going on here?' This is just not appropriate for the workplace, much less appropriate for any place," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.
Firefighter union officials said they hope the incident doesn't hurt firefighters who do their jobs well.
Because firefighters are on duty for 24 hours at a time, they are allowed computer access for personal use, but there are specific guidelines. Visiting chat rooms is among the things that are inappropriate.
The three suspended firefighters are being paid while the investigation continues.
Copyright 2005 by TheMilwaukeeChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News stories provided by third parties are not edited by "Site Publication" staff. For suggestions and comments, please click the Contact link at the bottom of this page.
