TOLDEO, Ohio — The Toledo Fire and Rescue Department has fired Lieutenant Jeffery Schroeder for conduct violations following an internal investigation into a social media post he allegedly made in September after the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
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The probe resulted in four administrative charges against Schroeder, according to a department press release obtained by WTOL. The violations include:
- Violation of Article XIX – General rules for all members - Rule 17 - carelessness and failure to meet a reasonable Toledo Fire and Rescue Department standard
- Violation of Article XIX – General rules for all members - Rule 23 - conduct unbecoming of a Lieutenant and conduct detrimental to the good order of the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department. Casting discredit upon the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department.
- Violation of Article XIX – General rules for all members - Rule 39 and Administrative Policy and Procedure #36- Social Media Policy
- Violation of Article XIX – General rules for all members - Rule 46, TFRD NonEmergency Manual B-21 Social Media Policy
The department said Schroeder was found guilty of the final three charges and was fired immediately “based on the severity of the infractions,” a move consistent with its commitment to accountability and its zero-tolerance policy for conduct that promotes violence, disrupts operations or harms the department’s reputation.
Schroeder faced intense backlash over a social media post that claimed Charlie Kirk’s killing stemmed from his political views and appeared to laud the gunman’s aim. The post referenced 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was arrested after a day-and-a-half manhunt following the shooting at a Utah Valley University event.
“We deeply regret the impact this incident has had on our community’s trust. We are committed to taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future,” the department said. “This includes reviewing our policies, enhancing training on professional conduct and social media use, and fostering a culture of respect, integrity and service.”
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Does your department have a social media conduct policy? Have you reviewed it? What does it say about your personal social media use?
