Former Firefighter Pleads Not Guilty To Making False 911 Call

CANTON, GA -- The Cherokee County Solicitor's Office has filed an accusation against a former firefighter charged with making a false 911 call.

Canton resident Clayton Gridley faces one count each of transmitting false report of fire and unlawful conduct during a 911 call stemming from an incident in late April.

According to the accusation, Gridley, 33, "knowingly and intentionally" reported there was burning and the smell of smoke in the area of Highway 92 and Robin Road in southwest Cherokee County.

Court documents show Gridley has formally waived his arraignment, pleaded not guilty and demanded a jury trial to decide his fate.

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

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 previously told Patch.

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, was subsequently fired from his position.

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