Six Memphis fire training academy officials, including the chief of training, were moved out of the division Wednesday after an investigation of "Hell Night" training that sent a recruit into a coma.
"As a result of the investigation ... six employees from the training academy have been transferred," said Gale Jones Carson, Mayor Willie Herenton's executive assistant.
Carson said the chief of training, assistant chief of training and four instructors were transferred. She could not confirm their names Wednesday night or where they were sent.
On Oct. 12, recruit James A. Coleman collapsed during training and remains in a coma at Methodist University Hospital. Six other recruits were transported to area hospitals for dehydration and were released that night.
Coleman's family still does not know what caused the 41-year-old to collapse, said his brother Scottie Coleman.
"It's really ridiculous," he said. "We don't have any answers."
Fire Department Director Richard Arwood last month said Hell Night was standard "survival training" and recruits had plenty of rehab time and had their vital signs checked.
But several recruits who spoke with The Commercial Appeal said the training was over the top, with few breaks and they never had their vitals checked.
"They know they messed up," Scottie Coleman said Wednesday night. "They know deep down in their hearts they messed up."
