By FireRescue1 Staff
CINCINNATI — An internal investigation began Monday after a Cincinnati firefighter posted controversial Facebook posts on his personal account.
Firefighter Chris Cotter criticized a rap group, calling them “worthless turds” who should be run down. He then wrote, “I know … I’m a racist again for pointing out the facts,” and will run down anyone who tries to stop him.
In a second post, Cotter wrote, “Just heard a new cause to support and I am all in … ‘Run Them Down!’ I am all in … Choose your destiny! Move or get plowed over by my V8 SUV!”
The department told WCPO they learned about the posts last week.
“The review is underway and I am confident the process will determine the appropriate course of action,” Fire Chief Richard Braun said. “These comments, made on a private account, are not reflective of the values of the hard-working men and women who comprise the Cincinnati Fire Department and provide first-class service to the citizens of Cincinnati.”
Cotter will remain employed by the department during the investigation. However, the department released a new social media policy Wednesday, denoting that the department can discipline and terminate an employee who shows bias.