MONROE TWP., N.J. — Officials met Tuesday to discuss how to discipline firefighters responsible for a lewd banner displayed at the New Jersey Firemen’s Convention.
The sign, which read “Show us your t---,” flew under the Williamstown Fire Company’s official banner on a balcony railing, NJ.com reports. The slogan drew attention of residents in the town after the photo appeared on social media.
Fire Chief Michael Jacobi and President Joe Kurz said they were pursuing disciplinary action, likely a suspension, against those responsible, according to the report.
“It doesn’t represent our town the right way. They are all volunteers, and they’re all good guys,” Mayor Michael Gabbianelli said. “It was probably a joke that got carried away. But something will be done about it.”
The fire company posted an official response on its website as well.
“The Williamstown Fire Company would like to sincerely apologize to anyone that was offended by the joke,” the announcement read, which also promised disciplinary action.
“I think it’s demoralizing to women. I think it’s insulting,” Shawn Rutter, a college math professor and former EMT, said. “A lot of young kids idolize that type of work. Every little kid wants to be a firefighter. A lot of parents drive their kids to that parade. That’s not a conducive learning environment.”
Rutter said he was concerned about how the township was being represented, according to the report.
“I’ve got no ill feelings,” Rutter said. “I commend everybody that’s a policeman or fireman or EMT. But I think somebody made a bad call and it needs to not happen again.”