On Sept. 9, City of Miami Department of Fire-Rescue lieutenant discovered that his photos in the fire station had been vandalized with hateful explicit remarks. Fire Chief Joseph Zahralban described the incident as a "hideous, distasteful act of hate,” for which 6 other Miami firefighters have been held responsible and reprimanded. The men have since been terminated for allegedly placing a noose around the family images of a black colleague.
The victim’s identity has remained unknown so far; what we know is that he has served the fire department for 17 years as a lieutenant.
Fire chief immediately responded and took action against the treacherous acts of hate.
"Appalled by my observation, I immediately requested the Miami Police Department investigate the matter and temporarily transferred all personnel assigned to that station, per our department policy," he said.
Upon the investigation, it was discovered that nearly a dozen firemen were involved, in some capacity, in the incident. However, the main 6 Of them- a captain, another lieutenant, and four firefighters were the primary culprits who decided to place the noose on the pictures. All 11 men involved have since been terminated, the main six let go without pay. They are William W. Bryson, Kevin Meizoso, David Rivera, Justin Rumbaugh, Harold Santana and Alejandro Sese.
The noose, made with twine, was initially being investigated for vandalism until it was soon uncovered as a hate crime.
“City of Miami Fire Rescue is an ethnically and racially diverse department and one of the best in the country," City Manager Daniel Alfonso says. "The priority as first-responders is to work as a team to be of service to our community. We cannot and will not tolerate behavior that is disrespectful, hurtful and compromises the integrity of the department and the City of Miami."
A press conference is scheduled for this morning at 10:30 am, to discuss the incident and legal actions, with Daniel Alfonso, Fire Chief Joseph Zahralban, and Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado at City Hall.
