MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A firefighter did not violate city policies when he berated a beggar in a post on his Facebook page, Murfreesboro city officials have ruled.
An investigation was launched when Firefighter Gregory Burt posted a photo Saturday of the woman begging for money, according to the Shreveport Times.
The post, made while Firefighter Burt was off duty, said, “So the sign says homeless, but she lives in the hotel behind her. She checks in at 300+ lbs (I know, because we transported it). She gets food stamps and healthcare. Wondering what your Tn care and Medicare/Medicaid is being used for! Tired of supporting it and others like it! Disgusting!”
The investigation found there had been no violation of the city’s social media policy, according to City Manager Rob Lyons.
“We’ve tried to strike a balance between a city employee’s First Amendment rights while on duty versus off duty,” he said.
A fire department press release said officials found that Firefighter Burt had had no contact with the woman “during the course of his work for the city.”