EAST SYRACUSE, NY -- East Syracuse Fire Chief James Brewster has been suspended as the village investigates allegations he made a racist comment on Facebook, according to East Syracuse Mayor Robert Tackman.
"We have been made aware of the matter, and are investigating the matter,'' Tackman said today. He declined further comment.
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On a Facebook account that appears to belong to Brewster, this comment was posted about Rep. Maxine Waters: "Maxine gives the word N***** a bad name."
The post has since been removed, but several people have screenshots.
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Brewster was elected as volunteer fire chief in April.
Brewster could not immediately be reached for comment.
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The mayor said Brewster has been suspended from his volunteer job as chief and his paid job as caretaker of the village fire department. That job pays about $37,000. The mayor said he is suspended without pay.
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