Colorado Fire Department Investigating Facebook Post

The Aurora Fire Department is investigating allegations that a social media post by a ranking  officer was inappropriate and racially offensive. The Colorado Black Professional Firefighters and others expressed concern about the post made last August by Operations Chief Stephen McInerny.

The post reportedly depicted a man in military attire and stated ““This is what a HERO looks like…unlike the whiny pathetic professional athletes that think they are special.” 

KDVR quoted the Colorado Black Professional Firefighters as saying:

  • We are disappointed but not surprised by Operations Chief Stephen McInerny’s Facebook post.
  • We support every American’s First Amendment right and their freedom to exercise their rights, but given our nation’s social climate and the recent event with Elijah McClain in the City of Aurora, we feel it is irresponsible for anyone holding a high position to make such a post.

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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