TEXARKANA, Texas - An online petition demands the reinstatement of a Texarkana, Texas, Fire Department driver/engineer suspended without pay because of a post on his personal Facebook page.
The change.org petition titled "Reinstate Clay Phillips to TTFD immediately" makes its case using text identical to that of an online fundraiser for Phillips begun Wednesday on the website GoFundMe.com.
As of Friday afternoon, almost 80 people had signed on to the petition, which has a goal of 100 supporters, and the fundraiser had collected more than $11,500 toward a $20,000 goal.
George Washington is listed as the petition's organizer, and the fundraiser post lists Anthony Albin of Palmdale, California, as its organizer. Albin did not respond to an interview request Thursday sent via GoFundMe direct message.
On June 2, the city put Phillips on administrative leave, pending an investigation, when officials including TTFD Chief Eric Schlotter became aware of Phillips' Facebook post.
The post came in the wake of protests related to the killing of George Floyd while he was in Minneapolis police custody.
"Cut off their government assistance and see how long they keep this nonsense up. These punk ass thugs have no stake in America. They don't contribute anything to society so what does it matter if the (sic) burn our country to the ground? All they have ever know (sic) is take take take. Who's entitled???? Damn sure isn't the people that get up and work everyday and never get any assistance from the government. Arrest the looters and arsonist (sic) !!!! If you are out in the streets after curfew arrest all of them with whatever force is necessary and tag them never to get government assistance again!" the post read.
The city announced Thursday that, after due process under civil service law, Phillips has accepted a 90-day suspension without pay, agreed to five years without supervisory responsibilities and will complete 12 sessions of counseling focused on anger and bias issues before returning to work.
Commenters on the petition asserted that Phillips' post was not racist.
"This is getting out of hand! He made no reference to race! Rioters, arsonist (sic), and looters are thugs! This is disgusting that we punish someone for speaking the truth!" wrote one.
In announcing Phillips' leave, city officials including Mayor Bob Bruggeman, City Manager Shirley Jaster and TTFD Chief Eric Schlotter said they were "disappointed and angered" by his post.
"We want to convey our deepest apologies for the actions of this employee and vehemently refute what was said. The sentiments do not in any way reflect the values of the City of Texarkana, Texas," a city news release stated.
The city declined to comment Friday on the online efforts on Phillips' behalf.