JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) – The Jacksonville fire marshal has been suspended for for 10 days after making a racist remark during a planning session for the Welcome to Rockville concert festival. 

The Florida Times-Union reports a complaint filed by co-workers claims Fire Marshal Kevin Jones, who is black, used the N-word when discussing the number of people who would be allowed in the park for the concert.

Jones used the n-word, saying “if those — try to put more than that [20,000] in the [Metro] park, they will have to deal with me,” according a complaint filed by a coworker against Jones.

 

Spokesman Tom Francis said Jones received a notice of disciplinary action Friday and acknowledged the discipline by signing it.

 

The 10 days will be subtracted from Jones’ personal leave time, Francis said. 

He said Fire Chief Martin Senterfitt determined the discipline.

 

 

Senterfitt says the complaint surprised him because Jones has few complaints and a strong reputation.

 

The chief called use of the word inappropriate in the workplace.

 

The punishment comes as the city and firefighters union fight three pending racial discrimination lawsuits.