Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Curt Ritter (212) 788-2971
"I am outraged by this disgusting display of racism. I want to assure New Yorkers that this sort of behavior will not be tolerated. I have therefore directed the City's Human Rights Commission to investigate this incident to determine if crimes were committed or laws broken.
I have also directed Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen to determine if any contractual relationship exists between the City and the parade sponsor, the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Corps, and to sever these ties until such time that officials of the organization identify the individuals involved in this disgraceful show of racism and intolerance. If these individuals are members of the Volunteer Fire Department, they should be dismissed immediately."