Hudson Valley Firefighter Suspended Over Facebook Post

The incident took place last week in Westechester County.

According to the Times Herald Record, Officials have suspended a firefighter for posting a racist message on Facebook.

The message in question showed an image of an African American man with an ape along with a message about the firefighter exam.

Officials told the Record that Richard LaPeruta was suspended on Friday due to the post.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano told the record that LaPeruta disrespected the city's diverse population and other firefighters. A spokesperson for the mayor's office also said that the Mayor will attempt to have the firefighter's fired.

Richard LaPeruta is a 22 year veteran of fire department.

Firefighter union president Barry McGoey told the Record that the claim of misconduct is an internal matter.

No word on whether or not LaPeruta is being paid during his suspension as no other information is available at this time. We will update this story as more information becomes available.