“Fire Chief Steve Bishop must terminate Fireman Roysdon for violating the Fireman’s Code of Ethics. A message must be clear that no racial bias of any source can be tolerated. A suspension would (be) a slap on the hand,” Bronston said.
In her statement, Bronston referenced two points of the U.S. Fire Administration Code of Ethics:
“Never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual preference, medical condition or handicap.
“Responsibly use social networking, electronic communications, or other media technology opportunities in a manner that does not discredit, dishonor or embarrass my organization, the fire service and the public. I also understand that failure to resolve or report inappropriate use of this media equates to condoning this behavior.”
MORE: Dayton NAACP president calls for Franklin Twp. firefighter’s resignation
“The Fireman who pledged to abide by these Code of Ethics swore to adhere to the principles of this valuable career,” Bronston said. “As we are making valuable progress in our cities, we cannot allow any staff members to cause us to lose ground.”
Bronston is seeking re-election to another four-year term on Middletown City Council.
Also on Saturday, Dayton NAACP President Derrick Foward called for Roysdon’s termination.
Bishop indefinitely suspended Roysdon Sept. 12 after learning of the racially charged comment on Facebook. Roysdon, 20, is facing a disciplinary hearing for conduct unbecoming a township employee before the Franklin Twp. Board of Trustees on Sept. 27, which will be held in closed session, according to township officials.
Roysdon indicated in the post that if he had to choose between saving a dog or a black man from a burning building that he would save the dog first because “one dog is more important than a million” and then used a racial slur.
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