Noose at Rocky Mountain Fire Academy Sparks Investigation

Posted by: Curt Varone July 13, 2010 3 Comments

A noose found at the Rocky Mountain Fire Academy in Denver, Colorado earlier this year has sparked an investigation and calls for punishment. The facility, which trains firefighters from Denver and Aurora, is physically located in Denver.

Officials have apparently identified the firefighter involved and are contemplating what to do in terms of punishment or sensitivity training. The firefighter claims it was a joke related to him being assigned to undergo training, and was not racially motivated. However, the historical connection between the noose and racism makes it difficult for officials to ignore. For more on the story:

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 40 years of fire service experience and 30 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) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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