Delco DA Investigating Fire Company Members After Audio Release

DARBY, PA — Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer Thursday said his office will be investigating members of the Briarcliff Fire Company who were overheard on a virtual meeting using racial slurs, making threats, and mocking a deceased 8-year-old girl.

Stollsteimer at a news conference in Darby said his detectives are working with Darby Township officials and authorities to determine if any crime was committed when six members of the fire company were heard on a Jan. 27 virtual meeting making racially charged statements and alleged threats to members of other fire companies.

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

Darby Township Solicitor Michael Pierce requested the DA's office investigate the incident as members of Darby fire companies, as well as elected officials in Darby, were specifically named by the Briarcliff members who were overheard.

"We will follow the law, we will look at the evidence, and we will make whatever the appropriate decisions are," Stollsteimer said.

Stollsteimer said his office is working to gather as much information as possible and then will compare evidence to existing laws for potential charges.

"We will look at every tool in the toolbox as we gather the evidence and look at it and compare it to the law and use our best judgement to see if people can and should be held accountable," he said.