2 Martin rescue workers suspended over derogatory word in e-mail
January 27th, 2009 by TCPalm.comSTUART — Two Martin County Fire Rescue members were suspended without pay for two shifts, required to take sensitivity training and received disciplinary letters, for using the “N” word in an e-mail that was part of the preparations for a party, Fire Rescue Chief Thomas Billington said Monday.
“Both men have apologized profusely,” Billington said. “They had no intent to demean anyone, but it was sent over the county e-mail system and we can’t allow that.”
According to Billington, the department received a complaint from Chad Anderson and initiated an investigation.
The probe showed that a birthday party was being planned during the Christmas season for Rick Tietjen, a paramedic and firefighter. The invitation was prepared while the personnel were off duty but was sent to Keith Colodny, also a paramedic and firefighter, who was asked to circulate it.
It was the request to circulate the invitations over the county system — and not the invitation — that contained the derogatory word and was addressed toward Colodny, who is white.
“We called both men in to talk with them,” Billington said. “Tietjen wanted to take all the blame.”
In an e-mail, Anderson said he was concerned about the possible effect of prejudicial thinking on the delivery of emergency services to the black community. Billington said there is no racial bias in the delivery of emergency services in Martin County.
Chief Billington Response to complaint about derogatory word
From: Thomas Billington
Sent: Monday, Jan. 12, 2009 5:19 PM
Subject: RE: Discriminatory Email within Fire Department
Dear Mr. or Ms. Anderson:
Thank you for writing and expressing your concern over an issue regarding Fire Rescue correspondence.
Immediately upon Fire Rescue Administration’s knowledge of the behavior, an investigation was initiated. The use of any derogatory term, particularly through the County’s e-mail system, is inexcusable and is not tolerated. The employees involved have been disciplined in accordance with the Martin County’s Disciplinary Code. This discipline included suspension without pay, remedial training and a letter of the discipline in their personnel file.
It is my job and personal commitment to ensure that Martin County Fire Rescue embraces an environment that respects the dignity of all employees and the important customers that we serve. Thank you for taking the time to ensure that this matter was properly handled.
Sincerely Yours,
Thomas M. Billington, MBA
Fire Rescue Chief
Martin County Fire Rescue
800 SE Monterey Road
Stuart, Florida 34994
By Joe Crankshaw, TCPalm.com
Tags: chief, christmas, emergency, environment, fire, firefighter, firefighters, imported, roads, writing
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January 27th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
I think it was a good thing that they took such an interest in this matter. I hope it can be taken serious when a person of any nationality is offended. Too often it seems that only Afriacn- Americans get press when someone says the “N” word. What about the Mexicans, Jews, Latins and Asian? But I also think that if one race can use it, everyone else should be entitled to it to. Too often minorities like to blame their problems on the “Man”, and we all know what their color is. We should be accountable for our actions regardless of the negative connotation to a word or phrase. And I am Latin. So I speak from both sides.