New Hanover County to conduct third-party investigation into alleged social media threats

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — We have new details surrounding an investigation into New Hanover County Fire Rescue.  

In emails obtained by WWAY, County manager Chris Coudriet said a “threat assessment” would be led by a third-party agency after threats were made against county staff on social media. 

Coudriet alleged the threats are connected to Fire Station 13 in Castle Hayne. 

The county would not identify who made the posts, but Captain Steve Hunt was recently placed on paid administrative leave. Hunt has publicly criticized the county in addressing health and safety concerns at Station 13. 

Earlier this year, firefighters at the station claimed they have higher levels of occupational cancer and serious illness than the national average. 

Just last week, we reported the CDC will be evaluating the fire station’s current operating conditions. 

We reached out to Hunt for comment. 

In a statement, he denied posting any threatening messages on social media and said the investigation is a distraction from the real issue. 

“I’ve been made out to be the bad guy for now, but the truth will surface once we get an outside agency to conduct an investigation,” Hunt said. 

The county has hired NC Protection Group to carry out the investigation, with initial costs estimated at around 11 thousand dollars. 

The email also sparked the attention of the North Carolina branch of the International Firefighters Association, who criticized the county’s actions on Facebook. 

WWAY reached out to the union for comment, but we have not heard back as of Monday evening. 

The county also declined to provide further comment.