NY Fire Chief Out for 'Insensitive and Inappropriate' Comments

The Washington Heights Fire Department removed the volunteer fire chief after he posted derogatory online comments about Middletown protesters.

June 3, 2020

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TOWN OF WALLKILL, NY—The Washington Heights Fire Department announced on Facebook Tuesday night that volunteer fire chief Charles Healy was removed from duty after he made "insensitive and inappropriate" comments on social media about Middletown protesters.

"The members of the Fire Department are frankly embarrassed and assure the community that these statements do not reflect the views of our volunteer firefighters. We fully understand and appreciate the feelings of our residents at this time," the statement read.

The department is reviewing disciplinary options with legal counsel, it stated. They "strongly" suggested Healy offer an apology for his comments.

Healy had posted to Facebook referring to protesters in Middletown as "pavement apes," drawing backlash from the community and Town of Wallkill officials.

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Visit The Times Herald-Record, Middletown, N.Y. at www.recordonline.com

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