City officials are looking into allegations of racial discrimination at the Rocky Mount Fire Department. Local resident Nehemiah Smith alleged that minority firefighters have been repeatedly on the receiving end of racial slurs made by white, sometimes higher-ranking firefighters. Smith spoke during the public comment portion of Monday's city council meeting. City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney said she had heard rumblings about such behavior but had received nothing concrete. She said she is going to peruse the matter. Councilman Reuben Blackwell said he hopes the decision will be the "shot across the bow" for any firefighters engaged in such activity so they know to stop.