Tenn. firefighter’s ‘white folks’ Facebook post prompts FD inquiry

By Leila Merrill

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Fire Department is conducting an internal investigation after a firefighter’s post caused a controversy on his personal Facebook account.

Steven Chillis posted that he was watching the movie “The Woman King” and wrote, “I hope there are some white folks killed,” Action News 5 reported.

Chillis was hired in 2020 and remains employed with the department.

The MFD’s social media policy states that employees are “responsible for maintaining the city’s “positive reputation.” Part of the policy references “prohibited disclosure of information,” which includes statements, comments, or images referencing criminal activity or profanity that could be considered obscene. The policy bans disparagement based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or national origin. Another rule prohibits against contributing to a hostile work environment, according to the news outlet.