Nashville Fire captain placed on leave after controversial social media posts demoted

Nashville Fire Department Captain Tracy Turner has been demoted weeks after being placed on paid administrative following the discovery of several social media posts many community members said were troubling.

“Every member of the Nashville Fire Department is an ambassador for our department to the residents and visitors we serve. The social media posts made by Captain Tracy Turner do not represent the core values of our department," Director Chief William Swann said in a statement released to FOX 17 News on Monday. "Anything that calls into question the ability of our department to serve everyone without prejudice or bias will be addressed and when needed discipline will be administered. I met with Captain Turner Monday morning and informed him of his demotion from Captain to Firefighter. He will be required to take sensitivity training and training on how social media activity impacts the community we serve. We have the utmost respect for every person we serve without regard to their sex, race, ethnicity, gender identity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation.”

Turner served as a captain with Fire Station 18 in East Nashville prior to being placed on paid leave.

On Facebook, he had posted statuses like “These protesters are the stupidest people on the planet, other than the arsonist and looters that hang out with them.”

Another post said, “I am not or ever have been a Slave Owner or a Bad Cop. Me or anyone else I know have never even spoke to the White Privilege office. (If you have their number please share) So quit looting and trying to burn down my city. If I offend you or you offend me, get over it.”

He has since posted an apology on Facebook, saying he “truly did not mean to offend anyone.”

Chief Swann said Turner's work assignments will be determined by the Fire Operations Chief for a period of two years.