SEATTLE — A black firefighter with the Seattle Fire Department reportedly found a noose at a fire station on Monday, and an internal investigation has been launched.
The noose was found at a knot-tying station, reported KIRO-TV; however, the knot that was found is not one used by firefighters and apparently could not have been mistaken for a different knot.
Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins sent an email to the department last week noting that the department is taking the matter seriously, acknowledging that “emotions are high and fatigue is a real factor,” due to recent civil unrest following a pandemic.
“It’s come to my attention that rumors are circulating about an issue at one of our fire stations that is currently under investigation,” Scoggins wrote. “As soon as we were notified, our EEO [equal employment opportunity] investigator/advisor responded immediately due to the sensitive nature of the concern that was raised. Like any department investigation, the details are kept confidential in order to maintain the integrity of the investigative process. Investigations take time as we need to make sure the process is fair and thorough. Rest assured the Department is taking this matter seriously and intends to do a full and fair investigation.”
Additionally, Seattle Fire Department spokesperson Kristin Tinsley released this statement to KIRO-TV on Saturday: “Discrimination and racial harassment are antithetical to SFD’s values and will not be tolerated. The department takes any complaints of discrimination and harassment very seriously and will use all appropriate measures to address any violations of policy.”