What to Know
- Officials in Westchester County suspended a firefighter for posting a racist message on Facebook.
- Richard LaPeruta posted an image showing an African-American man with an ape along with a message about the firefighter exam, officials say.
- LaPeruta is a 22-year veteran of the department.
Officials in Westchester County have suspended a firefighter for posting a racist message on Facebook.
The Journal News reports that Yonkers city officials suspended Richard LaPeruta on Friday after seeing the post earlier in the week. City officials say LaPeruta posted an image showing an African-American man with an ape along with a message about the firefighter exam.
Mayor Mike Spano says LaPeruta disrespected the city's diverse population and other firefighters. A spokesperson for mayor's office says Spano will seek the firefighter's termination.
LaPeruta is a 22-year veteran of the department. Firefighter union president Barry McGoey says the claim of misconduct is an internal matter and did not offer to comment on it.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
