VIDEO - Bessemer city leaders are denying allegations of racism within the city’s fire department.
Over the weekend someone spray painted graffiti on the Bessemer Fire Department Administration Building. A police investigation is underway to see who committed a criminal act spraypainting a public building. It said "Chief Syx is a racist."
On Monday the graffiti was removed and painted over at the building. By phone, Chief Syx told WBRC FOX6 News there is not a racism problem within the department and he believes this graffiti comes from a disgruntled employee.
The Bessemer mayor voiced his support for Syx.
"I've know Paul Syx for 20 years, not had one issue. Nothing to warrant any racial activity. If so he could not work for me," Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley said.
An attorney representing a current Bessemer Fire Department employee, John Johnson disagrees. Henry Rutledge says there is a racist culture within the department where white employees are promoted more than African American employees.
"It seems like some kind of tipping point where we are right now. Enough people have gotten fed up where they want to do something you are seeing thing like graffiti over the weekend," Rutledge said.