Bility Family, Elected Leaders React To Fire Company Allegations

DARBY, PA — The family of 8-year-old Fanta Bility who was shot and killed last year and elected officials had strong words in response to allegations of fire company members mocking the late child and using racist slurs on a virtual meeting recently.

Attorney for the Bility family Bruce Castor issued a statement from the family Thursday after Darby Township suspended all operations of the Briarcliff Fire Company after commissioners heard audio of members using racial slurs, making alleged threats, and mocking Fanta Bility.

"By brazenly mocking Fanta and her death, some associated with Briarcliffe Fire Department did a disservice to the community they are sworn to protect, thereby reopening wounds from that fateful night when Fanta lay mortally wounded, though conscious, knowing her life drained away," the family said. "To trivialize what this young girl endured that night gives new meaning to the descriptive 'despicable.'"

Three Sharon Hill Police officers — Devon Smith, 34, Sean Dolan, 25, and Brian Devaney, 41 — are each charged with a total of 12 criminal counts of manslaughter and reckless endangerment for their actions the night of Aug. 27, 2021 outside the Academy Park High School stadium that led to Fanta's death.

"Fanta was a bright, bubbly, innocent child who looked forward to a life filled with helping others who were hurting or injured — before being killed by careless actions of three Sharon Hill Police officers," the family said. "A kind and loving girl, Fanta brightened the lives of everyone she met."

The Bility family's comments echo those made by local, county, state, and federal officials from Delaware County.

Delaware County Councilman and Darby resident Richard Womack at a news conference Thursday said no one should be subject to such comments.

"I'm appalled to have to stand here today and hear about these racist comments," he said.

Six members of the Briarcliff Fire Company were overheard on a Jan. 27 virtual meeting about fire company consolidation using racist slurs in reference to fellow firefighters at other companies in Darby Township.

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon said the comments were a betrayal of public trust.

"Pennsylvania's firefighters are renowned for the civic community and endless hours they serve our communities," she said. "That's what makes this all the more horrifying."

State Sen. Anthony Williams said the public should not condemn the firefighting community as a whole for these few members' comments.

Williams also commended the Goodwill Fire Company, which brought the comments to the township's attention, for shedding light on the incident.

"Light drives out darkness, and that's what happened last night," he said. "Moments like this tell us how much more work we have to do."

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said his office is investigating any potential criminality to the comments, which also included alleged threats of violence toward members of other fire companies.

"Whether or not a crime occurred, hate speech is always morally wrong," he said.

The Briarcliff Fire Company has been suspended while the investigation occurs.