Another Firefighter Disciplined Over Anti BLM Posts
Another firefighter has been caught up in sharing anti-Black Lives Matters posts, this time a battalion chief in Omaha, Nebraska.
Battalion Chief Joe Salcedo is now on paid administrative leave over posts he shared on Facebook that criticized the Black Lives Matter movement and President Obama.
According to the Omaha World Herald, Chief Salcedo shared content stating that:
- President Obama is “a cop-hating terrorist, and so is the (Black Lives Matter) movement”
- “Once you advocate killing cops you are not protesters you are now terrorists”
- “America does not have a police problem it has a criminal entitlement problem fueled by poor leadership and a weak criminal justice system.”
The firefighters’ union, IAFF Local 385, was quick to condemn Chief Salcedo, who was serving as acting fire chief while Interim Fire Chief Dan Olsen was on vacation.
Our organization disavows the offensive material he posted on social media and immediately reported the material to the City of Omaha and Interim Fire Chief Olsen. As fire fighters, we take a sworn oath to “never act officiously or permit personal feeling, prejudices, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions.” The Fire Fighter’s Code of Ethics also reminds us to “keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others.” With this said, Mr. Salcedo has broken and offended the very code that defines us and our duty to public safety.
I am assuming Chief Salcedo was not a member of the local. Here is a copy of Local 385’s press release: Local 385
If he was off duty and speaking as a citizen, this case would be protected speech?
Uh, did I miss something? When was the 1st Amendment abolished? I believe his comments to be in “the public interest.”
I haven’t seen it too much here on Chief Varone’s site, but a lot of the newspaper sites have similar comments. On *those* pages, it appears comments denigrating President Obama or BLM are protected free speech, while comments in support of BLM or Obama (or even mildly critical of Trump) are considered treasonous.
This election, more than any other, has turned our once-great “melting pot” into a vicious dog fight, making oil and water look compatible by comparison. Having one candidate that half the population views as a treasonous liar, and another viewed by the other half as a fascist demagogue, has exacerbated the racism, hatred, fear, and loathing that has been simmering just under the surface of American politics ever since the Voting Rights Act and “the Southern Strategy.”
It won’t get any better after the election, either, no matter who wins. We’ll either have one side screaming, “benghazi! Benghazi! BENGHAZI!!!” every time the President opens her mouth, or the other side screaming “Nazi Trumpenfuhrer” and “Cheetohlini” every time the President opens his mouth.
Either way, I feel that our country may be starting to CTD.
It seems to me that his second and third statements are just pretty much stating fact, although the third statement might be more opinion. Neither are really inflammatory. However the first statement, particularly the part about Obama is the controversial part. But there is a kernel of truth in the BLM statement. It’s a fact that some BLM members have called for unjustified violence and murder.
Unfortunately, although you have the right to free speech, there often is a consequence and backlash for what you say.
I think a more simple solution to this is:
If you want to use social media to make your statements, use a website or “page” that is devoid of your employer/ agency.
Rather just use a picture of you ( if you want), wearing a tee shirt or some other non agency identifying clothing, your name and then spout off all of your “Un PC comments, devoid of empathy or any other human feeling.
Then go to work and look your crew members in the face knowing you made your comments with ill will towards your fellow human beings. How will you work with them? Especially with a multiracial/ gender/LBGTQ crew?
Otherwise, if you’re going to make your comment as: “BC ,” FF”, Police Officer”
Says “xxxxyyyy” then you have to expect to be held accountable.
You get Paid” by the citizens of your community to:
“Be of Service ” at any hour of the day or night or season of the year.
When someone does something contrary, then the citizens have the right to ask questions.