Lexington, Kentucky, December 2, 2025
A Lexington firefighter, Nicholas Baldwin, has been placed on paid administrative duty following his recent arrest on a domestic violence charge in Jessamine County. Baldwin, employed with the Lexington Fire Department since 2012, was arrested for fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) with no visible injury. The department will conduct an internal investigation once the criminal case is settled. Community concerns over the incident highlight the need for accountability within the Fire Department.
Lexington Firefighter Arrested on Domestic Violence Charge
Lexington, Kentucky – A Lexington firefighter, Nicholas Baldwin, has been placed on paid administrative duty after his arrest on a domestic violence charge in Jessamine County. Baldwin, who has worked with the Lexington Fire Department since 2012, was arrested on November 25 for fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) with no visible injury, a misdemeanor offense. An internal investigation by the department will commence following the resolution of the criminal case. Details regarding the incident remain scarce.
Details of the Arrest
Baldwin’s arrest took place in Jessamine County, Kentucky, on November 25. The charge he faces is fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) with no visible injury, categorized as a misdemeanor. In accordance with departmental policy, Baldwin was reassigned to paid administrative duty post-arrest, and the internal inquiry will start once the criminal proceedings have concluded.
Departmental Response
The Lexington Fire Department has reassigned Baldwin to paid administrative duty while awaiting the outcome of his criminal investigation, adhering to departmental procedures. An internal investigation will be conducted after the criminal case is resolved.
Background Information
This incident is not isolated; the Lexington Fire Department has faced similar situations previously. Notably, in July 2025, Captain Brandon Voet was arrested on a misdemeanor assault charge and was also placed on paid administrative duty pending an internal investigation.
Legal Framework
In Kentucky, public safety agency employees, including firefighters, enjoy certain protections under state law. Kentucky Revised Statutes §337.100 prevents the termination of employees who are volunteer firefighters, rescue squad members, emergency medical technicians, peace officers, or members of emergency management agencies due to absences related to their volunteer roles.
Community Impact
The Lexington community has expressed concern following the arrest, with residents advocating for transparency and accountability from the Fire Department regarding the management of such incidents. Local officials and the public are attentively observing the department’s actions in this case.
Weather Conditions
As of December 2, 2025, Lexington is experiencing heavy snow with temperatures around 32°F (0°C). Residents are urged to take precautions during their morning commute due to hazardous driving conditions resulting from the overnight snowfall.
FAQ
- What charge was Nicholas Baldwin arrested for?
- He was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) with no visible injury.
- When was Baldwin arrested?
- He was arrested on November 25, 2025.
- What is Baldwin’s employment history?
- He has been employed with the Lexington Fire Department since 2012.
- What is the department’s response to the arrest?
- The department has placed Baldwin on paid administrative duty pending the outcome of the criminal investigation, in accordance with departmental policy. An internal investigation will follow the criminal case.
- Has the department handled similar incidents before?
- Yes, in July 2025, Captain Brandon Voet was arrested on a misdemeanor assault charge and placed on paid administrative duty pending an internal investigation.
- What legal protections do Kentucky firefighters have?
- Kentucky Revised Statutes §337.100 prohibits employers from terminating employees who are volunteer firefighters, rescue squad members, emergency medical technicians, peace officers, or members of emergency management agencies due to absences related to their volunteer duties.
- How has the community responded to the arrest?
- The arrest has raised concerns within the Lexington community, with residents seeking transparency and accountability from the Fire Department regarding the handling of such incidents.
- What are the current weather conditions in Lexington?
- As of December 2, 2025, Lexington is experiencing heavy snow with temperatures around 32°F (0°C). Residents are advised to exercise caution during the morning commute due to slippery conditions resulting from overnight snowfall.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Arrest of Lexington firefighter Nicholas Baldwin on domestic violence charge |
| Charge | Fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) with no visible injury (misdemeanor) |
| Employment | Employed with Lexington Fire Department since 2012 |
| Departmental Response | Placed on paid administrative duty; internal investigation pending criminal case outcome |
| Previous Incidents | July 2025: Captain Brandon Voet arrested on misdemeanor assault charge; placed on paid administrative duty |
| Legal Framework | Kentucky Revised Statutes §337.100 prohibits termination of employees due to absences related to volunteer duties |
| Community Impact | Residents seeking transparency and accountability from Fire Department regarding incident handling |
| Weather Conditions | Heavy snow with temperatures around 32°F (0°C); caution advised during morning commute due to slippery conditions |
Now Happening on X
- @LEX18News (November 25, 2025, 6:03 PM) Lexington’s Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention has activated its Emergency Winter Weather Plan, expanding shelter capacity and services as freezing temperatures approach the area. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 26, 2025, 2:03 AM) Lexington Police are investigating a shooting in the 1700 block of Jennifer Road after reports of shots fired, with a male victim arriving at a hospital with a gunshot wound. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 25, 2025, 1:15 PM) Lexington Police are investigating after a woman arrived at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound on Monday night. View on X
- @MayorGorton (December 1, 2025, 5:04 PM) Mayor Linda Gorton advises residents to prepare for winter weather by driving safely, leaving more space between vehicles, and caring for neighbors and pets, with updates available online. View on X
- @FOX56News (December 1, 2025, 6:40 AM) Lexington’s Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention has activated the Emergency Winter Weather Plan as cold weather sets in, providing additional support for those in need. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 29, 2025, 1:00 AM) One man is displaced but uninjured after a fire at a residence in a Lexington neighborhood on Friday evening. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 30, 2025, 1:21 AM) An update on a barricade situation in Lexington on Saturday evening, where one man was arrested after nearly two hours. View on X
- @lexkypolice (November 26, 2025, 3:28 PM) Lexington Police report one person arrested following a shots-fired incident, robbery, and hit-and-run that occurred the previous night, with more details available online. View on X
- @FOX56News (November 27, 2025, 6:22 AM) Lexington’s Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention has activated the Emergency Winter Weather Plan on Wednesday amid expected freezing temperatures. View on X
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