Ex Delco Fire Official Charged In Alleged Racist Incident: Reports

DARBY TOWNSHIP, PA — A former Delaware County firefighter has been charged with several crimes in connection with an alleged racist incident that occurred in November 2024.

John M. Romano, 46, of Secane, is charged with ethnic intimidation, terroristic threats, harassment, disorderly conduct, and more, according to court records.

Romano was Sharon Hill's Assistant Fire Chief, according to Action News, but Sharon Hill officials in a statement said they have severed "all ties with the alleged offender and working with the Sharon Hill fire company to revoke his access to all Borough property."

"In light of recent events involving a Sharon Hill volunteer firefighter, the Sharon Hill Borough Council would like to extend its deepest regards to our community," the statement said. "Upon being notified of the charges of terroristic threats, harassment, and ethnic intimidation, we would like our community to know that borough council took immediate action to protect our public and its interests."

Romano also worked for fencing company J & P Fencing in Folcroft, and was working when the incident occurred on Nov. 21, 2024.

Police were called to the area by a black woman who accused Romano of yelling racial slurs at her as he loaded trees onto a truck that was blocking the road when she tried to drive around the truck, according to Fox 29. The outlet reports Romano’s alleged racist words were repeated to the police officer whose body camera was rolling.

According to NBC10, Romano said: "I’ll tell ya what I said, I’ll say it again, it’s my belief, they’re all animals. I’m tired of dealing with them."

Romano pleaded guilty to harassment in 2019, 2018, 2014, and 2009; making terroristic threats in 2007; and illegal possession of a firearm and retaliation against a witness in separate 2014 cases, according to court documents.

He is scheduled for a Feb. 18 preliminary hearing, court records show.