Fire chief to stay in position

At the meeting of the Mayor and Board of Alderman Monday morning, Mayor Flaggs spoke on the on-going issue of Fire Chief Craig Danczyk’s comments on social media.

The chief made the comments regarding the riots in response to George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police. The chiefs comments were taken as racially insensitive by some members of the community. Others came to the chief’s defense saying the comments were taken out of context and that they would say the same thing as the chief. The firestorm of comments prompted the city to look at its social media policy and to see if the chief had violated any standards.

“On May 31, 2020 I made a Facebook post. My comments were against looting and rioting and protecting my family,” Danczyk said at Monday’s meeting. “It was not my intent to be insensitive during a difficult time for our community. I am deeply sorry if it may have caused offense. In the future, I will be more sensitive to other people’s viewpoints. I am committed to the success of the Vicksburg Fire Department, Board of Mayor and Aldermen, and the citizens of Vicksburg.”

The social media policy was addressed at today’s meeting in executive (closed) session. After the closed executive session the Mayor spoke about the policy.

In a prepared statement, the Mayor explained no action will be taken against the chief:

“The city sought the advice of outside legal council. It was ultimately determined that no action against the employees will be taken. The city of Vicksburg respects the first amendment rights of employees of the city,” Flaggs said. “The city is reviewing our social media policy.”