By Associated Press - Tuesday, March 7, 2017

YONKERS, N.Y. (AP) - Officials in Westchester County have suspended a firefighter for posting a racist message on Facebook.

The Journal News reports (https://lohud.us/2mZXA53 ) that Yonkers city officials suspended Richard LaPeruta on Friday after seeing the post earlier in the week. City officials say LaPeruta posted an image showing an African-American man with an ape along with a message about the firefighter exam.

Mayor Mike Spano says LaPeruta disrespected the city’s diverse population and other firefighters. A spokesperson for mayor’s office says Spano will seek the firefighter’s termination.



LaPeruta is a 22-year veteran of the department. Firefighter union president Barry McGoey says the claim of misconduct is an internal matter and did not offer to comment on it.

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Information from: The Journal News, https://www.lohud.com

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