A firefighter in Detroit has just been fired for gifting his predominantly Black team with a watermelon.
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As a new member to his Engine 55 at Joy and Southfield fire fighting team Robert Patttison, 41, was prompted to present a gift to the veterans on his team, according to reports from WJBK’s Fox2Detroit.
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Typically, the team would bring small treats like donuts as a way to show their appreciation. However, Pattison thought he’d instead bring a large watermelon with a pink bow at the top.
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About 90 percent of the squad is African American and the majority of them found the gesture to be offensive. “When you get your first detail at a firehouse you pretty much know what you are getting yourself into,” team member Patrick Trout said. “So you would have to say it was probably a bad call.”
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Fire Commissioner Eric Jones said after a “thorough investigation” the decision was made to let Pattison go.
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“There is zero tolerance for discriminatory behavior inside the Detroit Fire Department. On Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, at Engine 55, a trial firefighter (probationary employee) engaged in unsatisfactory work behavior which was deemed offensive and racially insensitive to members of the Detroit Fire Department,” he said. “After a thorough investigation, it was determined that the best course of action was to terminate the employment of this probationary employee.”
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What may come as a surprise is some of the team were sad to see the newbie bid farewell. Tadarius Spearman took to social media to show support and compassion for Pattison in a photo with other workers who defended his actions.
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“Just want to let everyone know he’s a real amazing dude and it was all good intentions,” he said. “And our entire class (is) supporting him in this. Especially us African-Americans and that’s all that needs to be said. Stay up brother. #DFD.”
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Pattison stands by his word that his gift was not given with ill intention.
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