Ex-Lewes, DE, Fire Chief Now Suspended for Two Years for Using Racial Slur

The former fire chief of Lewes Fire Department has now been suspended for two years for using a racial slur.

The move by the department's Board of Directors came this week amid backlash from the Lewes community after they announced Bill Buckaloo wouldn't face any discipline after his original 60 day suspension.

"This was an incredibly difficult decision, one taken with careful consideration in order to uphold the integrity of our department. As we move forward, it is essential that we come together as a group to heal," according to an e-mail from board members obtained by CoastTV.

Officers also instructed members to stop contacting the media.

“I understand that some members may have felt unheard, but rest assured, we were listening."

The original suspension was determined following the department's bylaws, which limit what leaders can do in disciplinary cases.

Two members recently told reporters they believe the majority of the department wanted Buckaloo to receive a harsher punishment, given his history of misconduct.

In 2018, the five-term chief was arrested by Lewes police for disorderly conduct after urinating off a dock. He was sidelined in 2020 for posting a slur aimed at a drag performer after a show in Rehoboth Beach. That post was later deleted, and Buckaloo issued a public apology.

A source said the e-mail about Buckaloo's two-year suspension came as a relief. 

"From the membership's point of view, the punishment didn't fit the incident, nor his pattern of behavior," the source said. 

The loss of community support and trust is likely responsible for the board's decision, firefighters say.

"When this incident hit and all this publicity came out, we, in the first quarter of our drive have seen a 25% decrease in donations already. I'm telling you the money is what forced these guys to do this, and it's sad to say that," sources told the station.