Minority firefighters speak out after racist post (CT)

[struggle4progress]

By Jason Newton, WTNH Reporter
Published: September 2, 2015, 6:10 pm

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — More fallout today after New Haven Fire Lieutenant Kevin Owens was suspended for a racial slur against African Americans that was posted through his Facebook page.

“So, the question is, how can he serve mankind or the people in this community with sentiments of that in his heart,” asked fellow firefighter Darrell Brooks.

Brooks is a member of the New Haven Firebirds, a nearly 45-year-old organization of minority firefighters. They said firefighters must respond equally, without regard to race or the religion of a community they serve.

“My entire family lives here,” said Brooks. “And if he feels that way, will he offer the kind of service my family needs in time of crisis?” ...

http://wtnh.com/2015/09/02/minority-firefighters-speak-out-after-racist-post/

[Skwmom]

1. IMO, the guy should be terminated.

Brooks did not want his termination - “He has a family to feed and I personally wouldn’t want to see anybody terminated,” said Brooks.

However, I think this trumps - “My entire family lives here,” said Brooks. “And if he feels that way, will he offer the kind of service my family needs in time of crisis?” This is a very valid point.

Plus, firefighters need to work as a cohesive group. It is a matter of life and death and the guy is employed by a government agency which is to provide services to ALL people.

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. For so long, the bigots have gotten away with "I was just joking..."

or "you know I didn't really mean it." I'm glad we're at least inching forward in that respect.

[Dustlawyer]

3. I thought that this racism was a Southern problem? (Sarcasm)

When one of our ignorant racists goes off we get comments from some in the North about how backward, racist... we are down here. Unfortunately, it is not a regional problem, but it does seem to be a growing one!

[cwydro]

4. I know, right?

The south-bashers like to ignore all these examples.