Houston Fire Cadets Terminated over 'Racist' Posts on Social Media Group Chat

    April 29, 2025
    The dozen recruits were fired days before graduation for "racist and hateful behavior," Houston Fire Chief Thomas Munoz said.

    While 39 cadets in the Houston Fire Department Training Academy passed state tests, only 27 graduated last week.

    The other dozen were fired just days before becoming firefighters after sharing racist posts on social media.

    After a member of the class made officers aware of the rude posts, the entire group was confronted. No one admitted to being involved, KHOU reported.

    The cadets, who had been in the academy for about eight months, were given additional anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training.

    Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said the firings were related to "racist and hateful behavior." 

    Reports show the city spent about $100,000 to train each cadet, which includes equipment, gear and salaries.

    Houston City Council Member Twila Carter said of the incident: "It's unfortunate and surprising that these cadets chose to, that they made the choices that they have, and certainly, it does not align with the Houston Fire Department. This is just showing some bad choices, and it's cost them a career with the Houston Fire Department."

    About the Author

    Susan Nicol | News Editor

    Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues. 

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