FORT WORTH, Texas – The Fort Worth Police Department on Thursday fired a veteran officer for posting a “racially insensitive meme” on Facebook that drew wide public criticism last month, police said in a statement.
Officer Roger Ballard was given a “indefinite suspension,” which a spokesman described as “equivalent to termination,” for violating the department's general orders, according to the statement.
Ballard worked as a patrol officer on the day shift and had been with the department since 2002, said Officer Buddy Calzada.
He declined to describe Ballard’s Facebook post or say whether the officer is appealing his firing.
The Fort Worth Police Officers’ Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.