Lewes Fire Department

LEWES, DE - WBOC has learned that Lewes Fire Chief Bill Buckaloo has resigned and had his Lewes Fire Department membership suspended amid allegations of making what the department called a “derogatory comment.”

A spokesman for the Lewes Fire Department tells WBOC the comment was made in public and that the department does not condone Buckaloo’s language. An investigation is currently underway into the alleged comments, according to the Lewes Fire Department.

“The department recognizes that Mr. Buckaloo’s behavior is disconcerting and respect all points of view,” a press release from the Lewes Fire Department reads. “His comments run counter to the department’s belief and values of serving our entire community.”

It was not immediately clear what the nature of the derogatory comment was.

In 2020, Buckaloo was suspended from the Lewes Fire Department for allegedly using a homophobic slur online. In 2024, he was elected Fire Chief of the department. The Lewes Fire Department also faced scrutiny last year for a member’s use of a racial slur.

The Lewes Fire Department website now currently lists Robert C. Stephens as Fire Chief.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

 

Digital Content Producer

Sean joined WBOC as Digital Content Producer in February 2023. Originally from New Jersey, Sean graduated from Rutgers University with bachelor’s degrees in East Asian Studies and Religion. He has lived in New York, California, and Virginia before he and his wife finally found a place to permanently call home in Maryland. With family in Laurel, Ocean Pines, Berlin, and Captain’s Cove, Sean has deep ties to the Eastern Shore and is thrilled to be working at WBOC serving the community.

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