The Lakewood Fire Department is strongly condemning a racially derogatory social media comment made by an individual who previously served with the department, stressing that the former member has had no affiliation with the agency for several years.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Lakewood Fire Chief Jonathan T. Yahr called the comment “offensive, despicable, inappropriate,” and said the language expressed is completely inconsistent with the values and standards of the Lakewood Fire Department.

According to Chief Yahr, the individual responsible for the post has not been affiliated with or involved in the Lakewood Fire Department since relocating to Florida in 2020. While the individual may continue to reference a former department position on social media, Yahr emphasized that he currently holds no position with the department, has no authority to speak on its behalf, and that his personal statements should not be attributed to the department or its members.

“The Lakewood Fire Department serves every member of our community without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, background, or any other distinction,” Yahr said, adding that racist stereotypes and demeaning commentary have no place in the fire service.

Yahr, who said he was raised in Lakewood and has served the community for 33 years as a firefighter and six years as Fire Chief, said the comments do not represent the Lakewood community he knows or the values of the department.

While acknowledging that the department cannot control the personal speech of someone who has not been associated with it for years, Yahr said the department wanted to make clear that the comments are neither condoned nor endorsed by its leadership or current members.

“We remain committed to professionalism, respect, dignity, and equal service to every person in our community,” the chief said.