Oregon Firefighter Cleared in Kicking Case

May 11, 2007
A Portland lieutenant was caught on tape in January kicking a man who was on the ground in the lobby of a hotel while responding to a call.

Watch Raw Video

A Portland firefighter caught on tape during a scuffle with a man in a downtown hotel earlier this year will not face any charges.

On January 11, Terry DeGeorge got into a verbal fight with firefighters in the lobby of Fairfield Hotel, where they were responding to a medical call in the middle of the night.

Several firefighters tackled him and Lt. Robert Bedgood kicked DeGeorge three times while he was on the ground.

Multnomah County District Attorney Don Rees said they decided to decline charges against DeGeorge for interference with a firefighter and disorderly conduct and against Bedgood for harassment and disorderly conduct.

He said it would have been a difficult prosecution with each man suspect, victim, and witness in the case.

DeGeorge filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the City of Portland and the Portland Fire Bureau.

DeGeorge admitted making snide remarks to firefighters but said what happened after they tackled him was uncalled for.

Republished with permission of KGW-TV.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!