A lunar New Year card from the San Lorenzo station of the Alameda County Fire Department, east of San Francisco, depicts firefighters in rice paddy hats playing on Asian stereotypes as bad drivers and being too short, reports CBS5.
The card is being called racist by the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce which said it saw the cards several weeks ago, but waited until it could confirm the cards came from the firefighters.
“When I received it I thought it was a joke,” said Carl Chan, vice president of Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. “It is quite racially offensive,” he added.
NBC Bay Area reported that Chan is calling for an apology and sensitivity training.
“I think the fire chief needs to do something quick.”
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Alameda County Fire Department chief David Rocha declined an on camera interview, but did release a statement.
“The ACFD is taking this issue very seriously. It is inconsistent with our values and the respect we demand our employees demonstrate toward the communities we serve. The matter is under investigation as a personnel matter; as such, we have no further comment.”
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RE: Fire Dept under investigation for racist lunar New Year Card: These three Firefighters are all Asian-Americans celebrating their own culture for the Lunar New Year
RE: Fire Dept under investigation for racist Lunar New Year Card: Hmmm, if that were the case, you would think the Alameda County Fire Dept would have said that already in its response.