Resident urges board to condemn racist post by volunteer fire chief; board issues statement citing lack of direct authority over independent departments
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Summary
A resident demanded the board address a racist social-media post by a volunteer fire chief; the board read a prepared statement saying it does not condone the conduct but noted the county lacks authority over the seven independent volunteer fire departments and declined to withhold funding.
During the public-comment period a Charlotte County resident urged the Board of Supervisors to speak out and take action after a racist social-media post by Chief Billy Walker of the Cullen volunteer fire department.
Shermina Paneo told the board the post and subsequent defenses by community leaders reflected a pattern of dismissing African American concerns. She urged the board to "speak out against racism and set an example" and said public officials should not defend or ignore harmful behavior. Paneo also described personal community ties and said local leaders should protect all children and families.
The board read a prepared statement noting it "in no way condones" the chief’s statement and that it does not support racism or discrimination. The statement also said the board does not have authority over the county’s seven independent volunteer fire departments and that withholding county funds from a department because of a single member’s poor decision would punish the whole community. The board cited the recent heavy call volume handled by volunteer departments as context for the decision not to withhold funds.
Chief Walker spoke briefly and said the quote read at the meeting did not match what he posted on Facebook and asked those who do not know him not to label him a racist.
The board’s statement and the public comment reflect community concern; the board did not take a disciplinary action against the fire department or a county official at the meeting.