Former Firefighter Charged With Making False 911 Call

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CANTON, GA -- A former Cherokee County firefighter has been charged with making a false report of a fire to 911.

Canton resident Clay Gridley, 33, was booked into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center on Wednesday on one count of false fire alarm and making a false 911 call, jail records show.

Gridley, a former sergeant with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, allegedly made the call while on duty just before 7 p.m. April 28, the agency said.

Gridley allegedly called 911 to "report a non-emergency, false smoke odor investigation to inconvenience and cause another engine company" to leave dinner while eating at a local restaurant, the agency said.

After Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services was made aware of the situation, Fire Chief Tim Prather requested an internal investigation.

Once investigators determined that criminal charges could be filed, the case was turned over to the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office for additional action.

Following that agency's investigation, Gridley was arrested for the misdemeanor charges. Gridley, who had been employed with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services since 2009, has since been terminated from his position.

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Image via Cherokee Sheriff's Office