Copyright 2006 The Deseret News Publishing Co.
By Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A downtown fire station was shut down Friday after two black firefighters reported finding hangman’s nooses on their gear when they arrived at work.
Mayor John Peyton has asked the city’s Human Rights Commission and the General Counsel’s Office to investigate. Nooses have in the past been used by racists to intimidate blacks because of the connection to lynching.
“These actions are morally reprehensible and I have requested an immediate investigation of the incident by all necessary and appropriate parties,” Peyton said in a statement released by his office.
“This type of behavior does not represent our city or our fire department and will not be tolerated,” the mayor said.