Six firefighters were fired after it was found that they put a noose over a black colleague’s family photo. Firefighters William W. Bryson, Kevin Meizoso, David Rivera, Justin Rumbaugh, Harold Santana and Alejandro Sese were fired for the act on 17-year veteran Robert Webster. Two of the fired employees were high ranking firefighters; one being a lieutenant, another other being a fire department captain. Another five employees are under investigation and may be subject to further discipline.

It was also revealed that the firefighters removed the Lieutenant’s family photos from their picture frames and drew penises on them. The pictures were then reinserted into the frames. A white noose was then hung over the photos. A noose is seen by many as a racist symbol of mob lynchings of blacks by whites.

Miami Fire Chief Joseph Zahralban called the incident a “hideous, distasteful act of hate.” Robert Webster said that he “knew it wasn’t a joke because of the progression of little things that were taking place.” City manager Daniel Alfonso said in another statement that, "We cannot and will not tolerate behavior that is disrespectful, hurtful and compromises the integrity of the department and the City of Miami." No criminal charges were filed against any of the fired individuals.