Racist Remark Leads To Firing Of Horsham Firefighter

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — A Horsham Township firefighter has been fired following a racist remark he made while authorities responded to a fatal crash on Tuesday afternoon.

Horsham Fire Company Chief Lee Greenberg told Patch on Wednesday morning that the firefighter made the remark over the fire department's radio response system.

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"It was disgusting and vulgar," said Greenberg, who has served as fire chief since 2015 and has been a member of the fire department since 1992. "I haven't experienced anything not like this."

Fire crews were responding just after 4 p.m. to a fatal crash on County Line Road on the line between Horsham and Warminster Township.

Following the remark, the firefighter was dismissed immediately from the Horsham Fire Company, Greenberg said.

"While responding to the incident, an employee of the fire company used offensive and unacceptable language that was transmitted over the county radio system," according to a statement from the fire company. "Upon returning to the fire station following the incident, the employee was immediately terminated."

Following the incident, all personnel were reminded of their responsibility to conduct themselves professionally at all times, both on and off the radio.

Horsham Fire Company No. 1 maintains a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is inconsistent with our organizational values and professional standards.

Due to the fire company's policies on personnel matters, Greenberg would not reveal the firefighter's name, but told Patch that the firefighter was a relatively new employee.

Greenberg said that the fire company leadership is arranging for sensitivity and workplace professionalism training that will be mandatory for all personnel.

Horsham Fire Company No. 1 remains committed to treating all members of the public with dignity, respect, and professionalism.

"We recognize that the language used was offensive, inappropriate and unacceptable," the statement read. "On behalf of all the members of the Horsham Fire Company No. 1, We sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended or impacted by this incident. The actions of one individual do not reflect the values, character, or commitment of the dedicated men and women who serve our community every day."