Horsham Fire Company employee fired after allegedly using racial slur over county radio

HORSHAM, Pa. (WPVI) -- An employee with Horsham Fire Company has been fired after allegedly using a racial slur.

The alleged incident happened as the fire company responded to a fatal crash on County Line Road on Tuesday around 4:00 p.m.

While responding to the scene, the employee allegedly used "offensive and unacceptable language that was transmitted over the county radio system," according to a press release from Horsham Fire Company.

Action News has obtained the audio from the radio call, where the employee could be heard saying a racial slur.

Once the crew arrived back at the station, officials say the employee was immediately terminated.

"He was very remorseful, and he understood. We told him very simply it was not the standard that we set forth," said Horsham Fire Company Chief Lee Greenberg.

The chief says they have a zero-tolerance policy, and he acted on it. The 40 firefighters and 20 part-time firefighters are held to a high standard, and he plans to keep it that way.

"Following this incident, all personnel were reminded of their responsibility to conduct themselves professionally at all times, both on and off the radio," the fire company said in a statement.

Greenberg also wants the public to know that kind of language has no place in Horsham.

"We want to instill confidence in the public that we're going to be there and act professionally when were coming to help them in their time of need," said Greenberg.

Officials say all personnel at the fire company will also undergo mandatory sensitivity and workplace professionalism training.

"We recognize the language used was offensive, inappropriate and unacceptable," officials said. "We sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended or impacted by this incident. The actions of one individual do not reflect the values, character, or commitment of the dedicated men and women who serve our community every day."