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NEW BEDFORD — The city has disciplined the fire lieutenant who posted anti-LGBTQ messages on social media and drew sharp criticism from the community, but officials declined to say what the punishment was.
Lt. Chuck Bailey posted about drag performances on Facebook: “It is a mental illness,” he wrote. “The crossdressing drag s— is just utter bull—. F— them all.” Bailey also called homosexual relationships “sinful.”
The city’s spokesperson, Jonathan Darling, said in a statement that “the city does not disclose specific sanctions imposed on employees.” But Darling confirmed that Bailey had violated the city’s personnel policies, which prohibit discrimination and verbal or physical harassment based on characteristics protected by law, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
Darling said that an independent investigation took place and that sanctions were imposed after negotiations with the local firefighter’s union, IAF Local 841. Representatives of that union did not respond to a request for comment. Lt. Bailey remains an employee of the New Bedford Fire Department.
According to the City of New Bedford’s personnel policies, discipline for harassment policies “may range from counseling to termination from employment, and may include such other forms of disciplinary action.”
Lt. Bailey could not be reached for comment.
Fellow firefighter speaks out
A current New Bedford firefighter, Brian Gallant, responded to Bailey’s posts on Facebook to call out the behavior. Gallant spoke with The Light over the phone and, while unable to speak on behalf of the fire department, he said that Bailey’s language does not represent the values he personally strives for or sees elsewhere in the department.
“I’m disappointed and disheartened,” Gallant said. “Everybody is entitled to their beliefs … It’s one of the best parts of our country. But it’s different when you swear an oath to protect the public.”
Gallant continued: “When you put that badge on your chest and wear the uniform, our job is to protect the public. There is no fine print in that.” He said that he’s never seen a firefighter pull up to a scene and ask a victim about their identity before getting to work.
Gallant, who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community, said, “A fire department or police department or any agency of the community is a cross-section of that community — every walk of life, religion, creed, and orientation. So when comments like that are made, you don’t know who it’s hurting.”
Gallant said that Chief Scott Kruger and Mayor Jon Mitchell have been allies, and he pointed to the fire department’s participation in Pride events and fundraisers. In a recent year, Gallant said, the fire department raised more than $1,000 for the Trevor Project, a charity that serves LGBTQ youth, and wore special Pride uniform shirts.
Email Colin Hogan at [email protected]
