FDNY EMT’s Tweets A Career Ender

 

The son of FDNY Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano has become the fire service‘s latest cyber-casualty courtesy of his propensity to tweet racist, sexist, and in general stupid comments.

FDNY EMT Joseph Cassano, 23, resigned today following news reports that quoted numerous tweets going back at least two years. Among the tweets being quoted:

“Getting sick of picking up all these obama lovers and taking them to the hospital because their medicare pays for an ambulance and not a cab”

“Gotta love people with the iPhone 5 and brand new Jordan’s whip out their benefits card #f–kobama #ipaidforyourstuff.”

“Got kicked in the shin by a drunk and had to carry a 275 pound guy down 5 flights of stairs . . . my job is the worst #yearandahalftogo.”

“MLK [Martin Luther King Jr.] could go kick rocks for all I care, but thanks for the time and a half today.” [tweeted on Martin Luther King day]

“I hate ems”

“Everybody wanna be a firefighter, but don’t nobody wanna be a damn EMT.”

 “U couldn’t pay me enough to be a cop, there’s absolutely no direction in that department and I’m very glad I’m going the other way.”

“News flash to half of the island,… ur white! Stop talking like ur a shwoog.”

“This dumb shwoogie Flo-rida should be shanked for what he did to levels”

“I saw a sick jew walking on bloomingdale and thought of you.”

“I like jews about as much as hitler #toofar? NOPE.”

“I love boob jobs . . . I wish every girl in America were forced to get one once they turn 18.”

“I’ll vote in the presidential election when a candidates main purpose is to make breast enhancement surgery free to all who want it.”

Commissioner Cassano released the following statement:

“I am extremely disappointed in the comments posted online by my son Joseph, which do not reflect the values – including a respect for all people – that are held by me, my family and the FDNY.  I have worked hard for many years, as have so many people in the agency, to make the FDNY more diverse and inclusive. There is no place – and I have no tolerance – for statements that would harm the good reputation we enjoy due to our honorable service to all New Yorkers.

“As a parent, this is very painful for me, but I believe my son has made the right decision. I love him very much and, with the support and love of our entire family, we will get through this together.”

Here is more on the story.

Lesson Learned: posting things on the internet is different than saying things in private to close trusted friends… STILL!!!!!!!!! 

 

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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