By Rachel Engel
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County Fire Rescue battalion chief was fired last month after he was found to have violated department guidance on conduct and discrimination.
Battalion Chief Robert Izzo was relaying a story from his youth during which he was heard using a racial epithet when describing a Black man, ClickOrlando.com reports.
A Black fire lieutenant was among the group listening to the story and called out the behavior.
“I was not looking at you, so you shouldn’t be offended,” Izzo reportedly replied to the lieutenant.
Izzo was ultimately found to have violated department conduct related to human resources, unbecoming conduct and discrimination. According to a predetermination hearing letter, Izzo was fired on Oct. 29.
“Orange County Fire Rescue initiated an internal investigation after being made aware of racists and derogatory remarks Izzo made while on the job,” a statement from the department read. “Orange County Fire Rescue has zero-tolerance for offensive conduct and is committed to holding all of our employees to the agency’s core values of duty, integrity and respect. Information gathered during the investigation, in conjunction with the seriousness of the offense, prompted the department to terminate employment, effective Oct. 29, 2020.”