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Firefighter, demoted in investigation, fired Thursday

SALISBURY, N.C. — The city of Salisbury fired a third firefighter Thursday in connection with a sexual misconduct investigation at the Salisbury Fire Department.

City officials said Jeremy Carter was fired for receiving and sending an inappropriate photo, as well as failing to report inappropriate activity and, later, failing to admit to the photo activity during the investigation.

Carter was initially demoted and suspended as part of the internal investigation.

"It seems to me like something's not quite right," resident Linda Thompson said.

Thompson said the misconduct at the department is concerning, especially since the current investigation involves a firefighter, Chet Hedrick, who was investigated before.

"Is this an ongoing problem?" she said. "Is this something that's still happening?"

On Wednesday, the city announced it fired two firefighters for sexual misconduct and sexual harassment.

It said that Tim Grisham shared an inappropriate photo with staff members and engaged in inappropriate conduct at work, as well as an inappropriate relationship. It said Hedrick received and shared inappropriate photos and failed to report information about an inappropriate relationship.

Eyewitness News learned Hedrick was suspended in 2011 as part of a misconduct investigation at the department that also involved three other firefighters losing their jobs.

In addition, the city of Salisbury demoted and suspended firefighter Shawn McBride for failing to report inappropriate activity.

Eyewitness News learned he is currently the chief of the East Spencer Fire Department.

McBride said he expects to keep his position there.

As the investigation continues, some said they were worried it would affect morale at the department.

"I think it's a shame," Donnie Moose said.

Others took a tougher stance and wanted to know if McBride is suspended on taxpayers' dime.

City officials said they expect to release additional information Friday morning