Connecticut Firefighter Suspended For Anti-Semitic Comment

Posted by: Curt Varone July 30, 2020 0

A Connecticut firefighter who made an anti-Semitic comment to a Jewish firefighter, has been suspended without pay for a week. Lieutenant Patrick St. Onge has been suspended from the Norwalk Fire Department. He will also be transferred from his current assignment as part of the punishment.

According to The Patch, Lt. St. Onge “referred to Jewish people as being ‘dirty’ to the firefighter earlier this month.” He later apologized to the subordinate, but the firefighter reported the matter resulting in the discipline. Lt. St. Onge is an 18-year veteran of the department.

The city is reportedly working with the Anti-Defamation League to call attention to anti-Semitism in the community. More on the story.

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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