TAMPA, Fla. – A Tampa Fire Rescue firefighter has been arrested on child exploitation charges following an investigation by the Stuart Police Department.
Austin Lanyon, 30, was arrested in Tampa on charges of transmission of harmful material to a minor, lewd solicitation of a child, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
“This conduct is a violation of the values we uphold as firefighters,” said Fire Chief Barbara Tripp. “Firefighters are sworn to help our community, yet in this case, this individual allegedly acted in direct contradiction to that oath. We hold our firefighters to the highest standards of integrity, and when one falls short of those expectations, it is our duty to ensure they are held accountable for their actions.”
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Lanyon has been employed by Tampa Fire Rescue since 2022. He has been suspended pending the investigation.
Lanyon is currently being held in the Orient Road Jail on a $220,000 bond.
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