Firefighter under investigation after racy photos surface online

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — A College Park firefighter is under investigation after racy photos of her surfaced online and at a neighborhood bar.

Chawanda Martin has been a College Park firefighter and emergency medical technician since 2008, but the photos found on an entertainment company's website show another side of her. Channel 2 Action News obtained copies of the images, some of which were made appropriate for news viewing.

According to Channel 2's Eric Philips' findings, Martin did not break any laws and it is questionable whether she violated any code of conduct by taking the photos. After learning about the photos, College Park officials said the situation is an embarrassment to the city.

Philips tracked down Martin, who insisted that she didn't know where the pictures came from. She also said she couldn't explain why the photos were taken.

When asked what the purpose was for taking the pictures, Martin responded, "I don't know. I can't give you that. I don't know."

One of the shots appeared on a flyer at J'Macs Bar and Grill, around the corner from the College Park Fire Department. The flyer advertised Martin as host of a party called "Slip and Slide Fridays."

"She was doing what she thought was best for herself and we were trying to promote J'Macs," bar employee Joanne Harris said.

Martin, meanwhile, says she doesn't think this situation should negatively impact her firefighting career.

"I don't think it has anything to do with me saving lives," Martin said.

College Park officials released a statement on the matter.

"The city of College Park is aware of this situation, which is currently under investigation. It is not our policy to discuss personnel issues, therefore no additional statements will be forthcoming regarding this matter."

Channel 2's Eric Philips contributed to this report.

WSBTV