Lyons Fire Chief Resigns After Controversial Facebook Comment
/ CBS Colorado
LYONS, Colo. (CBS4) - The Lyons Fire Chief, J.J. Hoffman, resigned following a post on social media. He posted a comment on Facebook about using a fire hose on Black Lives Matter protesters in Denver.
J.J. Hoffman (credit: Lyons)
The Lyons Fire Protection District Board of Directors posted on its website on Monday announcing the resignation.
"Chief Hoffman expressed to us that he felt it was in the best interests of the Lyons Fire Protection District for him to resign," the post stated.
(credit: Lyons)
The board has started looking for a new chief.
The Daily Mail reports complaints about the Facebook comment were filed with State Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont. He then filed a complaint with the NAACP Colorado Montana Wyoming State Conference.
My thoughts on the Lyons Fire Chief's Resignation.
I'll be sharing a written statement shortly, but I wanted to give you my unfiltered thoughts.
Edit: 5:53pm here is my written statement
After I and many others in our community called for accountability and change, Lyons Fire Chief JJ Hoffman has stepped down from his position.
I see this as an important step forward on the path towards making sure that everyone in our community feels safe, heard, and well represented by their leaders.
In my original statement in response to former Chief Hoffman's hurtful and divisive remarks, I called on the Colorado chapter of the NAACP to investigate his conduct. While the immediate issue of Mr. Hoffman's resignation is behind us, there is a great deal of work left to be done.
It is my hope that the NAACP can provide a thoughtful outside perspective to create space for a difficult, overdue conversation. We need to take proactive steps to ensure that our community is a place where everyone feels welcome and heard. I'll start with myself: please know that I'm always available to talk to you and hear your perspective whether we agree or not.
The next steps forward will be uncomfortable and hard. I am confident that they will be worthwhile.
