Head of Prov Fire Union Accuses Police of Racially Profiling & Pulling Gun on Minority Firefighter

Head of Prov Fire Union Accuses Police of Racially Profiling & Pulling Gun on Minority Firefighter

The head of the Providence Firefighters' union is claiming that an on-duty minority Providence firefighter was racially profiled by Providence Police.

Derek Silva, President of the Providence Fire Fighters IAFF local 799, posted the accusations to social media on Friday at about 7 PM -- just as the Black Lives Matter protest march in Providence was ending.

Firefighters' Accusations of Racism 

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Silva posted the following on Friday:

"We stand with our brother, Terrell Paci, who was on-duty, and in uniform, in front of the Messer Street fire station when he and a visitor were profiled by Providence Police.

A twenty-three-year-old black firefighter had a gun drawn - and held - on him even after he announced himself as a firefighter, even as he stood before these police officers in his full fire department uniform, in front of his workplace.

This situation makes clear that even in uniform - a young black man is not immune from the impact of systemic, institutional racism.

While we value our working relationship with the Providence Police, and know there are many officers who are working to change police culture, this incident proves that there is more work to be done."

Silva did not respond to request for comment on Friday. 

Efforts to reach Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements were unsuccessful.

Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steve Pare said he had "no comment" when reached.