PA Fire Company Suspended for Racism, Bullying

A fire company in a small southeastern Pennsylvania community has been taken out of service after an investigation found that some members were subjected to racial slurs, bullying and harassment.

PennLive reports that the Lawnton Fire Company in Swatara Township just east of Harrisburg was suspended and stopped responding to emergency calls on May 31. The fire company is prevented from participating in any fire or EMS operations until further notice.

A complaint about bullying sparked the investigation, but Director of Fire Services Mike Ibberson said there had been other issues plaguing the company for months, including a lack of training and failure to respond to some calls. The company has dwindled to about 10 active members in recent years.

Ibberson made the decision to suspend the company with approval from township commissioners.

"The things that were taking place, from what I'm told—that's not tolerable," Township Manager Jim Fosselman told PennLive.

Swatara Township has four other fire companies—Bressler Friendship, Chambers Hill, Rutherford and Swatara Township—which have continued to provide coverage since the Lawnton suspension.