PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Two Pennsylvania state lawmakers are in the hot seat after they were caught on a live microphone and on video making a disparaging remark about a Philadelphia Fire Department captain.
Capt. Ken Pagurek, called to testify, in his capacity as manager of Pennsylvania Task Force 1, the state's urban search and rescue team, at an emergency management budget hearing about forming another team like it in Allegheny County.
The remark, made by state Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheney County, made as an aside to Republican Sen. Doug Mastriano, who represents counties in the Chambersburg and Gettysburg areas, can be heard in this tweet from The Keystone. The video shows Mastriano laughing at the comment.
The Philadelphia Fire Department has not responded to KYW Newsradio’s request for comment. However, Mike Bresnan, president of Local 22, the Philadelphia Firefighter's union, called the incident "completely inappropriate" and "unprofessional."
"Obviously they didn't agree or like Capt. Pagurek's testimony against what they're trying to do," Bresnan said.
Bresnan said Pagurek is a decorated firefighter, who he has known for almost 30 years. They graduated as cadets together and worked together at Engine 50, Ladder 12, in North Philadelphia, he said, one of the busiest firehouses in the city.
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"And for Sen. Robinson, from what I've seen, himself, is a decorated Marine veteran — I imagine he thinks highly of himself as far as the service — but Ken Pagurek's service to the city of Philadelphia and citizens of the state, I could put up on par with a veteran's because he's been in a lot of situations where he's put his so-called butt on the line," Bresnan said.
"And just like military veterans, firefighters and paramedics, they sign that blank check, cashed up to and including their life. So you would think he would show a little more respect."
Robinson sent an apology out on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Mastriano has, as of publication, not commented on the incident.
"And then Sen. Mastriano who was a colonel in the army, and Kenny, Capt. Pagurek, it's the same caliber of men and women that Colonel Mastriano, Sen. Mastriano, had under his command in the army. The respect ... for him to laugh ... I mean, it's disgraceful," Bresnan said.
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Pagurek is a military veteran, as well. He served in the U.S. Air Force.
"I don't know if they just got caught up in the moment. But I saw Sen. Robinson's apology, and it's inadequate. They need to both immediately apologize directly to Capt. Pagurek," Bresnan said.
In a statement, the Philadelphia House Delegation said the incident was an "outrageous act that demands more than a mere apology."
“We are not going to let these types of degrading remarks go unchecked because of your proximity and disregard for the City of Philadelphia,” said delegation chair Morgan Cephas. “This is not a joke; it just shows the type of leadership that we have in the Pennsylvania Senate. As senators they are supposed to represent all Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, neither Robinson nor Mastriano embody the moral values that their positions require.”
In a statement Friday, Mayor Jim Kenney, city Managing Director Tumar Alexander and Fire Commissioner Adam K. Thiel said they "condemn this remark and appreciate the outpouring of support for our PFD colleague."
“We are appalled, if not completely surprised, to hear this language from an elected official; especially directed at a man who has devoted his entire career to serving communities across our city, commonwealth, and nation, while risking his own life to save and help others."
KYW Newsradio reached out to Robinson's and Mastriano's offices numerous times over several hours by telephone and email asking for comment, with no response.