The unnamed Cobb County firefighter chose to resign rather than be fired after colleagues reported the on-duty comments, which prompted an investigation and a recommendation for termination

By Lucinda Warnke | [email protected]
Marietta Daily Journal

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A firefighter with Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services is no longer with the department after making antisemitic comments while on the job, according to Cobb Fire Chief Michael Cunningham.

The firefighter, who Cobb Fire did not name, made “antisemitic statements” while on duty, Cunningham said in an email to the Marietta Daily Journal. Other Cobb Fire employees informed leadership about the firefighter’s remarks.

| MORE: Handling harassment on duty: Take a professional, policy-driven approach

Cobb Fire opened an investigation into the incident and command staff recommended that the firefighter be terminated. After meeting with Cunningham as part of the regular appeals process, the firefighter elected to resign from the department instead of being fired.

Cunningham said in the email that such comments are not acceptable, and thanked other employees for bringing the matter to leadership’s attention.

“Behavior that undermines the trust that our community places in this department, or that fails to reflect the professionalism and respect expected of our members, will not be tolerated,” Cunningham said. “Our personnel serve a diverse community, and every member of it deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”

The UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute analysis cites interconnected system failures for the tragic outcomes of the 2025 firestorm

October 05, 2026 10:13 AM

 · 

With 87% of its fire stations over 40 years old, Cleveland’s plan would repair 12, renovate or expand another 12, and replace 10 others while improving firefighter safety features and bringing EMS units back into fire stations

October 05, 2026 05:50 AM

Gov. Mark Gordon cut the ribbon on the state forestry division’s new aviation hub, which adds a hangar, hard-wired internet and closer fuel access

October 04, 2026 08:00 AM

Delaware County’s peer-support program connected 100% of engaged first responders to care through a 24/7 hotline and weekly confidential drop-in meetings

October 04, 2026 12:00 PM

© 2026 Marietta Daily Journal, Ga.
Visit www.mdjonline.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Terrain Follow allows any Paladin drone to automatically adjust its altitude as the ground below rises and falls

September 28, 2026 11:41 AM