Sharon Hill, PA, Assistant Fire Chief Suspended after Using Racist Slurs
Former Sharon Hill Assistant Fire Chief John Romano has been suspended amid accusations he used racial slurs during an off-duty incident.
Community and state leaders condemned the behavior at a press conference, expressing disgust.
Sharon Hill Council President Tanya Allen said Romano has been suspended by the fire company's Board of Trustees, and the borough has also severed ties, according to WPVI.
Romano now faces charges of disorderly conduct, harassment, terroristic threats, and ethnic intimidation. Police confirm there is body camera video of the incident.
"The officers that were involved were shocked as much as I was shocked after reviewing it and brought it right to my attention and the charges were filed. It was pretty cut and dry and that easy," said Darby Township Police Chief Mike Sousa.
Allen told those attending a press conference: "Our community and our neighbors deserve to feel comfort and safety when thinking about a first responder coming and what perspective that person has of them."
The victim says the racist-laden attack began as Romano blocked traffic on Hook Road while loading trees onto a truck in front of a business he once owned.
Drivers were honking their horns and the victim says she was second in a line of seven cars. While he let the first car pass, he used his truck to stop her vehicle.
An affidavit alleges he hurled racial slurs and epithets and shot video of her license plate.
