Officials say the county is investigating screenshots that appear to show individuals identified as EMS personnel exchanging offensive messages in a private group chat.
ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. — Officials with Onslow County EMS say they are aware of the disturbing messages that have been circulating online and confirm the county has opened an investigation.
The statement was provided to The North Carolina Beat by Stephanie Cain, the division head of Onslow County Emergency Medical Services, after we contacted county officials about screenshots that appear to show individuals identified as EMS personnel exchanging racist, homophobic and offensive messages in a private group chat.
“We are aware of the messages currently circulating and understand the concerns they may raise,” Cain said in the statement. “The matter is being taken seriously, and an investigation is currently underway.”
Cain said the county cannot provide further details at this time because it involves a personnel matter.
“Because this involves a personnel matter, we are unable to provide additional details at this time. We appreciate the public’s understanding as this process moves forward,” the statement continued.
The response marks the first time county leadership has publicly acknowledged the situation since our story Monday night.
RELATED:
➡️ Screenshots Appear To Show Onslow County EMS Workers Exchanging Racist Messages
Messages spark backlash
As previously reported by The North Carolina Beat, the screenshots appear to come from a private group chat labeled “Work GC.”
Several of the messages contain racial slurs, homophobic language and disturbing comments about race, which quickly sparked outrage from members of the public.
In one screenshot, a message references an address written using a racial slur. In another conversation, participants appear to discuss what one message refers to as a “pure gene pool,” followed by additional offensive remarks.
The full context of the conversation is not entirely clear from the screenshots alone.
However, the language in the messages has raised serious questions among residents about professionalism within the department.
Names appear in screenshots
The screenshots reviewed by The North Carolina Beat appear to show names associated with several individuals connected to Onslow County EMS, including:
-
Kyle Wenner, identified as an Onslow County EMS paramedic
-
Joshua “Meta” Mullins, identified as an EMT with the department
-
Rebecca “Becca” Davis, identified in the screenshots as a paramedic captain and supervisor
The North Carolina Beat has not independently verified the authenticity of the screenshots, but the names appear alongside the messages in the images submitted to us.
Investigation now underway
At this time, county officials have not said whether any employees have been placed on leave or disciplined while the investigation is ongoing.
They also did not address whether county leadership was previously aware of the alleged messages before the screenshots began circulating publicly.
Because the matter involves personnel issues, many details may remain confidential under North Carolina employment law.
For many residents, the issue raises larger questions about professionalism and trust within a department responsible for responding to medical emergencies across the county.
Policy Questions Raised
The screenshots have also raised questions about whether the alleged messages could conflict with Onslow County EMS’ own internal policies governing employee conduct and social media use.
According to the department’s Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards policy reviewed by The North Carolina Beat, EMS personnel are expected to maintain professionalism and avoid behavior that would “discredit you, your co-workers, and the profession.”
The policy also states that EMS personnel must provide services “with respect for human dignity… unrestricted by consideration of nationality, race, creed, color, or status.”
The department’s Social Media policy further states employees should not engage in activity that could “tarnish the Division’s reputation” or “erode public confidence in the EMS Division.”
The policy also notes that conduct creating a harassing or hostile work environment or harming the reputation of the county could result in disciplinary action depending on the circumstances.
Whether the messages violate those policies will likely be part of the investigation now underway.
The North Carolina Beat will continue following this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
