‘Morally deplorable’: Former firefighter shares stories of racism, harassment

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – He suited up on the frontlines for nearly 30 years but what happened behind the doors of local fire halls still stings him to this day.

Former Calgary firefighter Shannon Pennington is sharing his experiences after a report surfaced this week showing rampant racism in the ranks of the Calgary Fire Department.

Pennington said the racism began the day he arrived at rookie school in 1976, with a slur written on the label of his desk.

During his 26-year career, Pennington said he heard a variety of racial and ethnic slurs in the fire halls.

“There are a number of firefighters who just can’t keep their pie hole shut when it comes to uttering racial ones and it’s those ones that are making it difficult. I would say 70 per cent of the job is a very healthy group of people.”

He said that, unfortunately, many of the worst offenders are in senior management or training positions.

WATCH: Mayor speaks out against reported racism

On Monday, Mayor Naheed Nenshi offered his views on the reports saying racism is not acceptable in today’s society.

“This organization needs to lead the community in being an anti-racist organization. As I’m hearing that some of this is still going on, despite investigations going on, of course, that’s something that I will take very seriously and ensure that we’ve got the right plans in place because it’s not acceptable.”

Nenshi added that Fire Chief Steve Dongworth was hired with a mandate to improve inclusivity and expects answers on when the chief knew about these issues and if anything is being done.

For Pennington, he said the years of racism and abuse have already caused a lot of damage in the department adding that several suicides have been linked to the harassment.

“The calculable indifference is morally deplorable and morally reprehensible with the mayor, city council. We need a shakeup down there and we need a shakeup at Calgary Fire Department administration because all they’re doing is repeating the same ol’, same ol’.”

Matt Osborne with the Calgary Firefighters Association responded to the allegations saying “racism, harassment, discrimination and bullying are not acceptable” and they will “continue to make sure members are supported and their voices heard.”