6 Miami Fire Rescue Employees Fired Over 'Noose' Incident

MIAMI, FL — Six Miami Fire Rescue employees from one fire station have been fired over "sexually explicit and racially offensive conduct," according to City Manager Daniel J. Alfonso. Alfonso said that he and Fire Chief Joseph Zahralban became aware of the incident one day before Hurricane Irma struck the Miami area. A news report said that the incident involved a noose fashioned from twine that was placed over a family photo of an African-American lieutenant.

"It is the policy of the city of Miami to provide a workplace for all employees that is free from intimidation, threats or violent acts," Alfonso said in a statement announcing the terminations on Wednesday afternoon. As a result, six members of the Department of Fire Rescue have been terminated."

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

According to a report in The Miami Herald, other family photos of the lieutenant were defaced with sexually explicit drawings. Local 10 News reported that the incident occurred at Fire Station 12, which is located at 1455 NW 46th Street. The newspaper said the incident occurred on Sept. 9.

Watch Now: Miami Fire Rescue Employees Fired Over 'Noose' Incident

"The Miami Police Department was notified and an internal and thorough investigation was launched," Alfonso explained. "Initially, personnel from that station were transferred to other stations. Then, 11 were relieved of duty with pay."

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

"The Miami Police Department was notified and an internal and thorough investigation was launched," Alfonso said. "Initially, personnel from that station were transferred to other stations. Then 11 were relieved of duty with pay."

He said that Miami Fire Rescue is an ethnically and racially diverse department.

"The priority as first responders is to work as a team to be of service to our community," he said. "We cannot and will not tolerate behavior that is disrespectful, hurtful and compromises the integrity of the department and the city of Miami."

Photo courtesy Miami Fire Rescue