Miami Firefighters Union To Defend Men Fired For "Explicit, Racist" Conduct

The six Miami firefighters who were fired due to racism will now receive assistance in getting their jobs back. 

Miami's firefighters union agreed Tuesday to help the men accused of "sexually explicit and racially offensive conduct." 

The men had filed grievances with the union contesting their terminations. The matter will now go to the city.

In September a black lieutenant found a noose made of twine placed over his belongings at work. Several of his family photos on his desk had also been defaced with sexually explicit symbols.

The Miami Department of Fire Rescue launched a investigation that lead to the firing of six of Webster's colleagues: 

  • Capt. William W. Bryson 
  • Lt. Alejandro Sese
  • David Rivera
  • Harold Santana
  • Justin Rumbaugh 
  • Kevin Meizoso

The union's executive board made the decision Tuesday after a hearing at the Miami Firefighters Union Hall. Board members interviewed Webster and the six men who were fired. 

The union said the purpose of the meeting was to determine whether each firefighter's discipline was just or excessive.

"I understand the union is taking the grievance process and accepting them," Jackson Deglace, the president of the Professional Black Firefighters’ Association said.  "I didn't anticipate them accepting all of the firefighters' grievances, especially the ones most involved in the incident." Delgace said he is disappointed with the union's decision to represent. 


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