Son of NYC fire commish 'regrets' offensive tweets

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The son of New York City's fire commissioner has apologized for posting offensive messages on Twitter.

The 23-year-old Joseph Cassano works as a fire department EMT.

The New York Post says he tweeted a slew of derogatory statements about Jews, blacks and the poor.

Cassano issued a statement early Monday saying he regretted "posting some comments that were offensive, especially since I enjoy my job and treat every patient with great care and respect."

His father, Salvatore Cassano, declined to comment.

The Post says the younger Cassano's offensive statements included a derogatory term to describe blacks, and a tweet stating he liked Jews about as much as Hitler did.

Fire Commission Salvatore J. Cassano has released a statement on the matter:

“I am extremely disappointed in the comments posted online by my son Joseph, which do not reflect the values – including a respect for all people – that are held by me, my family and the FDNY. I have worked hard for many years, as have so many people in the agency, to make the FDNY more diverse and inclusive. There is no place - and I have no tolerance - for statements that would harm the good reputation we enjoy due to our honorable service to all New Yorkers.