-Avier Wanjou-Brass-

Cousins!

A Volunteer fire company is suspended for talking hella reckless!

The Briarcliffe Volunteer Fire Company in Pennsylvania has been suspended for 30 days following allegations of numerous offensive comments. The fire company is currently being accused of making racist comments about other firefighters and even mocking the death of Fanta Bility, an 8-year-old girl who died at the hands of three police officers. 

According to NBC News, Michael Pierce, the solicitor for Darby Township, confirmed the suspension of the fire company. In a letter to the Derby Township Board of Commissioners, Pierce said a board member from another local fire company disclosed the alleged comments.

Obtained by NBC News, the alleged remarks occurred on Jan. 27, after a virtual meeting about a fire survey between Briarcliffe and other local fire companies, including Goodwill. As most of the participants logged off, six Briarcliffe members did not. The letter says people on the call talked for nearly two hours and adds, “Suddenly, there was the sound of a group of people discussing the meeting while using foul inappropriate language.”

 Allegedly, they used racial epithets to describe firefighters, and the fire chief, from another fire company. Also, the letter says that they said it was “time to leave” the area because Black people were moving there. 

What is even worse, allegedly, they threatened to physically assault members of the Goodwill and even joked about Fanta Bility’s name. 

Bruce Castor Jr., the lawyer for Fanta’s family, says in a statement, “A kind and loving girl, Fanta brightened the lives of everyone she met.

 “To speak of her with such disrespect, shines the light of shame on those people at the firehouse making the remarks, and reflects negatively on those good and true first responders who pledge their lives to the service of all members of the community.” 

Fanta was killed outside a football game at Academy Park High School in Sharon Hill, a mile from Darby Township. The three police officers were each charged with voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, and reckless endangerment in her death.

Why are we going through this? I am fed-up and tired, are you?

(photo Credit: Thana Prasongsin )