The City of Miami Fire Department fired six firefighters Wednesday for hanging a noose over a black colleague’s family photo and drawing lewd images on his other family pictures.Police began investigating the incident in September as a vandalism case, but it morphed into a civil investigation and was handed over to executives at the city’s Department of Fire-Rescue. Eleven people were originally relieved of duty with pay, and these were the first firings since the investigation opened.“The priority as first responders is to work as a team to be of service to our community,” Miami City Manager Daniel Alfonso said in a statement. “We cannot and will not tolerate behavior that is disrespectful and hurtful and compromises the integrity of the department and the City of Miami.”Among those terminated was William W. Bryson, son of the department’s former fire chief, because he allegedly did not report the incident to higher-ups and failed to prevent the hate incident from happening. His father, who served in the department for decades, fired 62 black firemen in the early 1990s ostensibly for their support of affirmative action efforts.Others terminated Wednesday included lieutenants Alejandro Sese, Kevin Meizoso, Justin Rumbaugh, Harold Santana, and David Rivera.The investigation has not yet determined who created the noose, and firefighters are allegedly denying the claim.“We are very disturbed by the allegations and look forward to the opportunity to review all the facts,” Fred Delgado, president of the Miami International Association of Firefighters said to the local television stations. “We expect all of our members to be provided a safe, comfortable workplace and also to have a fair and complete investigation and just discipline when it is warranted.”The firefighters have the right to dispute their terminations, and according to the Miami Herald, more firefighters could face suspensions or demotions in the coming weeks.
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