Houston fire department wasted $1.2 million training 12 cadets who formed racist gang. all fired days before graduation

https://atlantablackstar.com/2025/04/29/days-before-graduation-12-houston-fire-academy-cadets-fired-for-racist-and-hateful-behavior/

After they were discovered to have shared racist memes in a private Instagram group, 12 cadets about to be Houston firefighters were given a second chance, partly due to the high cost of training them.

They were ordered to repeat anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training and remained on track for graduation from the eight-month training program. But when officials discovered the group resumed even after they were warned to disband it, they decided the cadets had to go.

The would-be firefighters learned their fate on April 18, just six days before they were to graduate, according to sources who spoke to ABC 13 in Houston.

The dismissals will cost the department about $1.2 million, as a full academy course costs approximately $100,000 per cadet, according to the city’s cost analysis.

The decision came following investigations by the Houston Fire Department’s Professional Standards Division and the City’s Office of Inspector General.

In a written statement, Fire Chief Thomas Munoz said the cadets’ behavior gave them little choice. Specifics related to the content of the memes has not been disclosed.