Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
A volunteer fire company in Darby Township, Pennsylvania, has been suspended by township officials following allegations that racial slurs and racist remarks were made during a virtual meeting in late January.
The Briarcliffe Fire Company was suspended by the Darby Township’s Board of Commissioners yesterday. The commissioners also requested the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office open an investigation into allegations by the Goodwill Fire Company that the remarks were made during the virtual meeting. According to the Philadelphia Enquirer, an audio recording of the meeting exists.
Darby Township Solicitor Michael Pierce told reporters that the suspension will last for 30 days while the allegations are investigated. The Daily Times reports that racist comments were made in reference to a third fire company, Darby Township Station 4. The comments also referenced Black residents and mocked the name of a recent shooting victim.
The Goodwill Fire Company sent a letter to township officials expressing their concerns about what was said at the online meeting, which was to discuss fire department consolidation.
The Daily Times quoted Delaware County Council Member Richard Womack Jr. as saying:
- I am appalled to have to stand here today and hear about these racist comments, this is not acceptable, we will do anything we have to, it’s not something that just started, it’s been here for years
- Anybody body that makes statements like that don’t need to be in any kind of leadership position. To have these kinds of actions taken and these remarks made is just unacceptable.
- We’re going to do what we have to chop it off.
- It will not continue in Darby township.
- The community should not have to be fearful whether or not they are going to receive good treatment.
