Dallas Firefighter is the Latest Facebook Cyber-Casualty

A Dallas firefighter is under investigation following complaints about a racially offensive Facebook post he made last Sunday.

According to news reports, firefighter Chad Tyson was responding to a posting about the stabbing of two San Diego firefighters by a black man who is now on trial. A retired firefighter posted “Sad but true. But remember black lives matter.”

Tyson allegedly posted in response: “Sadly, I will delay treatment for more of them as well.” The post was subsequently deleted.

The thread was brought to the attention of Dallas Fire Rescue and an investigation is under way.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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