Brookline Fires Firefighter Who Charged Racism

BROOKLINE, MA – Brookline voted Wednesday morning to fire a firefighter who charged racism within the fire department.

Gerald Alston was permanently relieved of duty following a unanimous Board of Selectmen vote Wednesday morning, board member Neil Wishinsky said. Alston had been on unpaid administrative leave for about three years.

Alston reported that during a voicemail in 2010, a white superior officer used a racial slur, the Brookline TAB reported. After a town investigation, it was determined the epithet was directed at another driver and not at Alston; the department suspended the then-lieutenant without pay for a few days.

At the meeting, the board heard testimony from the hearing officer before coming to a decision.

"The whole thing was done in pursuant to very strict civil procedures," Wishinsky said.

Alston's superior officer has been promoted twice since the claims came to light, the TAB reported.

Image via Shutterstock