2 Officers Among Miami Firefighters Fired Over 'Noose' Incident

MIAMI, FL — Miami's top fire official described the noose incident that led to the firings of six of his men as a "hideous, distasteful act of hate" on Thursday and said that he was appalled when he first saw the string-like noose draped over a family photograph of a 17-year African-American department veteran one day before Hurricane Irma struck his city. Fire Chief Joseph Zahralban also identified the fired employees as a captain, lieutenant and four firefighters. Five others may still face lesser disciplinary action.

See also 6 Miami Fire Rescue Employees Fired Over 'Noose' Incident

All of the firefighters were assigned to Station 12, which is located at 1455 NW 46th Street.

"This lieutenant of 17 years with the department, discovered his family photos were defaced with lewd and sexually explicit renderings and a noose draped over one (of) the photos," said Zahralban in a statement. "This was immediately reported to my staff and as a result, I personally responded to the station. Appalled by my observation, I immediately requested the Miami Police Department investigate the matter and temporarily transferred all personnel assigned to that station, per our department policy."

Lt. Robert Webster, who identified himself as the victim of the incident, told Local 10 that he believed his former coworkers were not racist, but rather "stupid."

Zahralban identified the six fired firefighters and released pictures of the family photos that were defaced. Patch edited one of the photos to show the noose but is not showing the graphic sexual images drawn on multiple photos.

City officials also released copies of the termination letters on Thursday, which vary based on each firefighter's participation in the incident. The letters described the incident as hazing.

1. Captain William Bryson

Bryson was accused in his termination letter of engaging in conduct unbecoming an officer "when members under your direct supervision defaced several personal photos of a fellow firefighter with graphic and obscene phallic renderings."

The letter stated that Bryson failed to "dutifully act as an officer with the knowledge that the defacing were taking place and were complicit to the acts" and that he also failed to act on a request by several of his men, "some whom were directly involved in the defacing, in their appeal to come forward and present the truth."

Moreover, the letter said that Bryson made false statements during a recorded interview. "After being given a direct order to tell the truth, you provided false information regarding your knowledge of the defacing of the photos," the letter stated.

Multiple news organizations said that Bryson is the son of former Fire Chief William "Shorty" Bryson.

2. Lt. Alejandro Sese

Sese's termination letter stated that he also engaged in conduct unbecoming an officer "when several weeks earlier you fostered the idea of defacing the photos."

The letter said that Sese admitted in his recorded statement that he retrieved the photos from his room and later returned them after being defaced.

"You were negligent in your duties as an officer when you participated in hazing by encouraging your subordinates to deface the photos," the letter explained.

He too was accused of making false statements regarding his knowledge of the incident and his role in defacing the photos.

3. Firefighter David Rivera

Rivera's letter stated that he engaged in conduct unbecoming a firefighter by participating in the incident.

"By your own admission in a recorded statement taken under oath that you, yourself actively participated in the act by returning the photos back in the frames after the drawing of graphic and obscene phallic representations."

4. Firefighter Harold Santana

Santana's termination letter referenced his recorded statement in outlining his role.

"By your own admission in a recorded statement taken under oath that you, yourself actively participated in the defacing of the photos by drawing the graphic and obscene phallic representations," according to the letter.

5. Firefighter Justin Rumbaugh

Rumbaugh's termination letter said that he too participated in the hazing by drawing "graphic and obscene phallic representations" on the family photographs.

6. Firefighter Kevin Meizoso

Meizoso's letter said that he engaged in conduct unbecoming a firefighter and cited his recorded statement.

"By your own admission in a recorded statement taken under oath that you, yourself actively participated in the defacing of the photos by drawing the graphic and obscene phallic representations."

11 Relieved Of Duty

In announcing the firings on Wednesday, City Manager Daniel J. Alfonso said that a total of 11 Miami Fire Rescue employees were initially relieved of duty with pay as the incident was investigated.

Alfonso said that the investigation is continuing into what he described as "lesser involvement" by the remaining five employees who may face disciplinary action, ranging from suspensions to demotions.

Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, Chief Zahralban and Alfonso plan to hold a press conference on Friday to discuss the firings.

A noose hangs over a family photo of a 17-year veteran of Miami Fire Rescue. Photo courtesy Miami Fire Rescue.