Report: Black Seattle Firefighter Finds Noose at Station

Seattle Fire Department officials are investigating an incident in which a black lieutenant discovered a noose at the station during his shift last week.

A source told KIRO-TV that the noose was found at a knot-tying station inside the firehouse June 1. The source claims the knot could not be mistaken for other knots that firefighters might practice doing at the station.

“Discrimination and racial harassment are antithetical to SFD’s values and will not be tolerated," a department spokeswoman said in an email to KIRO. "The department takes any complaints of discrimination and harassment very seriously and will use all appropriate measures to address any violations of policy. SFD immediately engaged the department’s Equal Employment Opportunity office to conduct an internal investigation.”

Following the incident, Fire Chief Harold Scoggins sent an email to the department. He acknowledged that "emotions are high and fatigue is a real factor" from the COVID-19 pandemic and protests following the Memorial Day death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, according to KIRO.

“Our city and our entire nation is living through a critical new reality," Scoggins wrote. "As firefighters, we put everything on the line to put out fires and respond to medical emergencies. I urge you to prevent fires and discord from breaking out among our own ranks.”