This browser does not support the Video element.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - People are calling for a Missouri firefighter-in-training to be fired from the department after he allegedly placed a rope around the neck of another cadet, reportedly symbolizing a noose.
KC EFFECT is a local chapter of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters. The organization released a letter Wednesday that described the alleged incident that happened nearly a month ago. EFFECT said the incident happened in front of other cadets and staff during a training exercise.
The organization claimed the cadet said it was "a joke," and staff addressed the situation by reviewing its equal employment opportunity policy.
This month, the Kansas City Fire Department issued a new equal employment opportunity policy. The biggest policy change includes adding additional reporting options for supervisors and clearer channels to report violations without needing to go through the EEO Commission.
Addington Stewart, Midwest Chapter President of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters, said the policy change is a step in the right direction, but it doesn't go far enough.
"When you are talking about placing a noose around someones neck in 2019, it should not be happening. It is unacceptable, and anyone who does it should be disciplined harshly," Stewart said.
A spokesperson for the Kansas City Fire Department released the following statement:
Investigation into the incident is expected to wrap up in the next week or two.