Columbus firefighter placed on administrative duty following criminal charges

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Columbus Division of Fire (CFD) firefighter was placed on administrative duty Friday after criminal charges were filed against him.

CFD firefighter William Ungar was placed on administrative duty after criminal charges were filed against him in the Licking County Common Pleas Court. According to the Columbus Division of Fire Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter, Ungar will remain on administrative duty until the criminal case has concluded. Chief Geitter also stated that once the criminal case is finished, an internal review will be completed by the Division of Fire.

Ungar is charged with a fourth-degree felony of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle and a first-degree felony discharging of a firearm on prohibited premises. According to the indictment document from the common pleas court, Ungar allegedly discharged a firearm while in a vehicle on the road on April 28, 2025.

"We want to emphasize that the Columbus Division of Fire holds all personnel to the highest standards of conduct. We expect every member of this Division to carry out their duties lawfully, ethically, and honorably at all times—both on and off duty," says Chief Geitter in a statement sent to NBC4.

Ungar is scheduled to appear in court on August 19 for an initial bond hearing.