Delaware County police sergeant fired over Facebook post controversy

ByBob Brooks WPVI logo

Sunday, July 5, 2020

Police officer fired over social media controversy

Media's borough council has demoted and fired a police officer over his controversial social media post. Robert "Skippy" Carroll, is a sergeant and vice-president of Fraternal Orde

MEDIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- The Media Borough Council in Delaware County fired a police officer over a controversial social media post during an emergency Zoom meeting Friday.

As Action News first reported last month, Sgt. Robert "Skippy" Carroll, the vice-president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 27, posted on the union's Facebook page: "If you choose to speak out against the police or our members, we will do everything in our power to not support your business."

Carroll reposted the message to his personal page adding the caption: "Try us. We'll destroy you."

County FOP Lodge No. 27 vice president Sgt. Carroll, who serves with the Media Borough Police Department, has been removed from active duty, officials say.

On the Zoom meeting, Council President Brian Hall said the investigation has concluded.

"I am prepared to make the most motion tonight that council demote Sgt. Carroll and terminate his employment," Hall said.

The vote to terminate Carroll was unanimous.

It has been reported that Carroll's statement was directed towards Wolf's Superior Sandwich shop owner Dan Wolf, after an online argument between the two.

But later the two shook hands alongside Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.

Dan Wolf (right), owner of Wolf Superior Sandwiches in Aston, says Sgt. Carroll's (left) remarks were directed specifically towards him after a misunderstanding on social media.

"We all came together and expressed thoughts to each other and we buried it right then and there. I think it's unfortunate," Wolf said.

The FOP said Carroll's firing was unwarranted and the council's actions will be challenged.

Joseph Chupein Jr., the attorney for the FOP Lodge 27, released the following statement Friday night:

"The Borough's actions will be challenged. We trust in the process and look forward to a positive resolution of this unfortunate situation.

Skippy is an exceptional Police Officer. His social media comments have been grievously misperceived.

An investigation into the circumstances that precipitated his postings have clearly indicated a miscommunication between Skippy and a local merchant.

It appeared to Skippy that the merchant was absolving those who threatened the safety of law enforcement personnel. The merchant later advised that his comments were not intended to convey that message.

That situation has been amicably resolved as between them. That should have concluded the issue.

I hope that our community comes to realize that Sgt. Carroll has contributed 27 years of his life to faithful service and that any assertion of racial bias is unsupported and undeserved. Understanding flows both ways."

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