Augusta, GA
Investigators: Augusta teen firefighter accused of fake fire inspections, illegal firearms
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – A 19-year-old employee of the Augusta Fire Department accused of unauthorized inspections has been arrested and is facing charges.
Tyrone Antonio Harris, Jr. has been charged with five counts of Impersonating a Public Officer or Employee.
Each bond has a charge of $9,000.
Earlier this month, the Richmond County School System sent a statement saying authorities were investigating after an Augusta Fire Department employee allegedly visited several schools and conducted what appeared to be fire inspections.
The schools Harris allegedly visited on April 27th include:
- Jamestown Elementary School
- Hephzibah Middle School
- Hephzibah High School
- Morgan Road Alternative School
He also reportedly also stopped by AAA Gun and Pawn Broker on Tobacco Road on that date.
On May 13, both Augusta Fire Department and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the situation was under investigation.
AFD reportedly informed RCSO they intended to put Harris on Administrative Leave for the incident in question.
The Deputy Fire Chief also expressed concern about social media posts about firearms that Harris is alleged to have posted earlier in the morning May 13th.
The photo shown to the investigator allegedly showed Harris posing with two Glocks, both of which appeared to have been converted via a “Glock switch” to allow the firearm to function as a fully automatic weapon, also known as a machine pistol, according to the incident report filed in the case.
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office confirmed this week that the case had been referred to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, operated through the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire.
WJBF has reached out to the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, but a spokesperson responded to our inquiry, saying, “Our investigation into Mr. Harris remains ongoing. We cannot comment further on active investigations.”
This is a developing story.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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