The Briarcliffe Fire Company in Glenolden has voted to disband and cease operations after members were heard making racist comments on a Zoom call.
The incident took place among Briarcliffe firefighters after multiple fire agencies and the town solicitor discussed emergency services and a potential merger of the three companies.
Attorney Robert C. Ewing said Briarcliffe Fire Company members, when dealing with local residents, never "treated differently or discriminated against based upon their race." He told 6ABC Philadelphia that the "frenzied public perception not based in fact," is what led the fire company to shutter.
"Make sure that they don't come back in another form because we have to identify exactly who these people are," Richard Womack, a member of Delaware County Council said during a press event, calling for officials to identify the members who made the comments.
"Make sure that they don't come back in another form because we have to identify exactly who these people are," said Richard Womack, a member of Delaware County Council.
The district attorney cleared the fire company of any potential crimes after the township referred the case to them, the attorney told the television station.
The fire company is making plans to return the fire trucks to the township who owns them.
Upper Darby and Delaware County Emergency Services will assist with fire and medical calls for the time being, according to 6ABC Philadelphia.
