Anyone who watches the news knows that ill-advised social media posts can land people in hot water – and, this week, the Board of Directors of the Julian Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department announced that two “members” were dismissed over comments related to immigration that were deemed inappropriate and offensive.

The press release did not specify whether those were members of the board or of the department generally.

On Tuesday, July 2, the fire department’s Board of Directors met, and, the following day, announced that the two were no longer associated with the department.  According to a Wednesday, July 3 press release from Board President James Jones, that meeting was held “to address concerns that arose from comments posted on social media by a member that occurred the previous day.”

The release didn’t detail the nature of the comments but stated that those remarks – “and subsequent actions by a second member” – led to the department’s decision.

The fire department’s board also stated that the postings “do not represent the community-oriented values of this department.”

The Board of Directors determined that both people involved would no longer be affiliated with the department.

According to the press release, the Julian Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department respects all residents and visitors of the Julian Fire District regardless of their “sex, race, color, national origin, religion, political views or sexual orientation.”

The release also stated on Wednesday that the fire department is now working with the governments of Guilford County and Randolph County to “re-establish the trust of the community.”

As of July 3, Guilford County Fire Marshal Stephen Thomas will serve as the interim fire chief for the department.

The statement from the volunteer fire department concludes: “We deeply regret the actions of our former members and we apologize to anyone that may have been offended.”