New Haven Firefighter Suspended Over Racist Post

A New Haven firefighter has been suspended after a post containing a racial slur appeared on a British anti-Muslim website bearing his name and likeness.

The leader of the New Haven Firebirds, a black and Hispanic firefighters' organization, said the post contained the N-word.

The New Haven fire chief has no comment except that the corporation counsel, the city government's attorney, is handling the matter.

Mayor Toni Harp saw the posting before it was removed and ordered the fire chief to investigate.

"My understanding is he has taken a personnel action that I'm not at liberty to discuss," she said.

According to the Firebirds, the firefighter has been suspended for 15 days.

Although she can't elborate on the details of the case, Harp is free to discuss her reaction to racism.

"I am a person who was called that name in elementary school and high school, and I'll tell you, it's very demoralizing and very hurtful," she said. "As the chief executive officer of this community of African descent – my people helped to build this country on slave labor – I am enraged by that comment."

Harp said the fire lieutenant has denied making the posting but if he believes someone else did it using his login information, he has an obligation to prove it.

A policy on use of social media is almost ready for city government employees, said Harp. She also wants to see cultural sensitivity training for firefighters.

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