Facebook posts end career of two more firefighters & paramedic in South Carolina
It doesn’t stop. In Columbia, South Carolina two more firefighters were fired today over comments on Facebook about Black Lives Matter and protesters who blocked roadways on Sunday. In Richland County a senior paramedic has been fired.
Previously:
Recent Facebook posts from 8 firefighters & cops brings firings, demotions & more
Fire chief Aubrey Jenkins announced the total number of firefighters who have lost their jobs is now three. The firefighters terminated Wednesday are Dave W. Proctor, a senior firefighter who was hired in October 2013, and probationary firefighter Edward Augustyn, who was hired in February, said department spokesman Brick Lewis.
Lewis said that responses to the initial posts by since-fired Capt. Jimmy Morris were threatening enough that the Eau Claire fire station, where Morris was on duty, was closed temporarily.
The spokesman said he does not know the language in the posts. However, when Jenkins said Tuesday he was investigating a second firefighter, the employee’s post said in part, “Start running people over.”
Richland County leaders announce their decision to terminate the senior paramedic Wednesday afternoon, saying the person made “inappropriate comments,” but did not elaborate further.
“EMS is called upon to serve citizens in times of duress,” said Interim County Administrator Gerald Seals about the fired paramedic. “The statements on social media were threatening and could be taken as the County having individuals, who because of their bias, may adjust their care – and that erodes public trust and is unacceptable.”
