The FDNY took the largest punitive action in department history when it suspended nine firefighters without pay for posting and sharing racist messages and memes related to the death of George Floyd last year.
The New York Times reports that an investigation was launched after department brass received reports of firefighters mocking Floyd's death while he was in the custody of Minneapolis police in May 2020.
Several black firefighters reported that white colleagues had been exchanging "grotesque" texts and images mocking Floyd’s dying moments while also joking that police could “legally shoot black children.” Some firefighters also discussed using fire hoses on protesters—an action that is banned by FDNY leadership—during the civil arrest that erupted across the country after cell phone video of Floyd's death went viral.
The suspensions, which ranged from a few days to as much as six months, included members who posted the messages and memes, and others who served in supervisory roles.
