Alameda County firefighter accused of racist rant on paid leave
DUBLIN, Calif. - Embarrassing - that's the word Alameda County Fire Chief William McDonald on Monday used to describe a viral video showing a firefighter spewing racist remarks at a driver.
"I want to sincerely apologize on behalf of the firefighter and our department for his actions," McDonald said. "What you saw in the video does not, in any way, reflect our dedication to integrity, professionalism and community trust."
McDonald did not identify the firefighter, but says he is on paid administrative leave until an internal investigation is complete. On Tuesday, California Highway Patrol Stockton identified the firefighter as Benjamin Guild, 46, of Rocklin.
The disciplinary measure stems from what was caught on video Friday between the Guild and a driver, Vath Touch, after they both were involved in a car accident in Lodi.
Video captured both drivers accusing the other of causing the crash and the argument immediately becomes heated.
"Okay dumb ass Mexican," Guild appears to say in the video. "Or Filipino, what the f*** are you?"
Touch then responded to the racist remarks.
"Don't be racist bro. Don't be racist."
Alameda County firefighter investigated over racist rant
Alameda Countys fire chief is apologizing for a firefighters actions insisting his racist, rant caught on camera, is not reflective of the whole department. The incident stems from two drivers arguing just after their vehicle collided near Lodi. The fire chief says the firefighter could face discipline up to termination.
"I'm no f***ing racist, I'm a f***ing firefighter," the firefighter responded.
In an interview with KCRA, Touch spoke about his experience saying he felt unsafe, locked his car doors and immediately began recording.
"I started the video because I saw him coming," Touch said. "I was going to get out of my car and talk to him, but then when I saw him coming and rushing up, I decided no, I'm going to play it safe, press record and see what he wants. So he came up and started saying all that stuff to me."
At one point, Touch asked Guild to stop spitting on him through the crack of the car door window.
"I'll f***ing spit on you all day," the firefighter is heard saying.
The president of the Alameda County Firefighters Union Local 55 also weighed in, saying they will cooperate with the investigation.
"We are deeply troubled by the remarks made in the video. Whele the member involved was not on duty at the time of the incident, the comments made do not reflect the values we strive to uphold as a union," the union's post on social media read.
McDonald said he spoke to the firefighter, who expressed remorse and regret for his actions.
"We let him know that we're going to be investigating him and the actions that might be taken by the department in the future," McDonald said.
Future actions could mean termination, but McDonald said the "appropriate disciplinary actions" will be taken once the investigation is complete.
He says the department is looking into its sensitivity training and guidance for personnel.
Civil rights group Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) applauded the department for investigating the incident.
"He's a minority and that doesn't change his right to be treated with respect and dignity," said Zahra Billoo, CAIR's executive director.
KTVU has reached out to Guild multiple times, but did not immediately hear back for comment.
KTVU's Jana Katsuyama contributed to this report.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the name of the firefighter involved.