A spokesman for the D.C. Fire and EMS Department has been suspended, following comments he made online.
Chief Kenneth Ellerbe placed Lon Walls on paid leave for his characterization of a protest by firefighters.
During last month's "State of the Department" address, dozens of firefighters stood up and turned their backs on the chief before walking out. They were protesting a proposal that would change work shifts.
On his personal Facebook account, Walls had posted an article related to the walkout. He then commented on it calling it "racist" and "ignorant." He made similar comments on his Twitter account. Both posts have since been removed.
Walls's suspension is expected to last just a few days.
