Island firefighter suspended after allegations of racist post

An island firefighter was suspended without pay on Friday, Sept. 23 after the Boca Grande Fire Department and Lee County received phone calls regarding a Facebook post.
On Thursday night, Sept. 22. the phone calls began, saying that Lt. Mike D’Angelo made a racist comment on a Facebook post. On Friday, Sept. 23 he was suspended without pay while an investigation was conducted.
D’Angelo will return to work next week after five shifts off without pay and having successfully completed sensitivity training. He also immediately sent a letter of apology to his department.
“He was immediately remorseful,” said Fire Chief C.W. Blosser. “He even paid for his own sensitivity classes so taxpayers didn’t have to foot the bill.”
D’Angelo has been with the Boca Grande Fire Department for more than 20 years and had a spotless record prior to these allegations.