DARBY TWP., Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The Briarcliffe Volunteer Fire Company in Delaware County has decided to disband after members were heard on audio recordings making racist comments.
The township suspended the company for 30 days back in February, after racially charged audio recordings were made public.
The recording is more than an hour long. Portions of the audio recordings revealed what are reportedly members saying racist comments about black firefighters and black residents — including comments mocking Fanta Bility.
Bullets from police killed the 8-year-old girl during a shootout at a football game last summer.
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At the packed Wednesday night meeting of the Darby Township Board of Commissioners, residents were told of the disbandment. NBC10 captured concerned residents' reactions to the news.
Neighbors had a slew of questions and statements about emergency response in Delaware County.
“I’m talking reality, now. Our neighborhood’s going to suffer because we’re losing a firehouse,” said one concerned resident.
“We have units in place to ensure your safety,” came the response from the board.
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“They should not be off the hook with a letter,” said someone else.
Solicitor Michael Pierce read aloud the fire company attorney’s statement: “Dear Mr. Pierce, thank you for your email. The Briarcliffe Fire Company does take this matter very seriously. This is not as simple as just issuing apologies and terminating certain members.”
He explained the decision to disband.
“They also do not see where they can survive financially without drastically … increased township financial support, which I understand will not be provided. Therefore, the members have voted to disband.”
“I’m worried about my health, my family’s health. Are they going to get there on time?” asked a resident.
“I just hope that they can work this out … safety,” said Patrick Hopkins or Briarcliffe.
“I wouldn’t want to see them in any other entity … based on the color of our skin,” said Crystal Bell of Darby Township.
Some of the neighbors at the meeting expressed concern about what will happen to the two fire trucks, fire gear and ambulance that Briarrcliffe used to respond to their emergency calls.