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Ga. firefighter resigns after making antisemitic comments on duty

The unnamed Cobb County firefighter chose to resign rather than be fired after colleagues reported the on-duty comments, which prompted an investigation and a recommendation for termination

By Lucinda Warnke | lwarnke@mdjonline.com
Marietta Daily Journal

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A firefighter with Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services is no longer with the department after making antisemitic comments while on the job, according to Cobb Fire Chief Michael Cunningham.

The firefighter, who Cobb Fire did not name, made “antisemitic statements” while on duty, Cunningham said in an email to the Marietta Daily Journal. Other Cobb Fire employees informed leadership about the firefighter’s remarks.

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Cobb Fire opened an investigation into the incident and command staff recommended that the firefighter be terminated. After meeting with Cunningham as part of the regular appeals process, the firefighter elected to resign from the department instead of being fired.

Cunningham said in the email that such comments are not acceptable, and thanked other employees for bringing the matter to leadership’s attention.

“Behavior that undermines the trust that our community places in this department, or that fails to reflect the professionalism and respect expected of our members, will not be tolerated,” Cunningham said. “Our personnel serve a diverse community, and every member of it deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”

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