By Lily O'Brien

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kansas (KAKE) -- Following the death of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, a Sedgwick County firefighter posted on social media about his distaste for Kirk.

The firefighter posted on Facebook, quoting someone's description of Kirk and saying "Rest in P***," also saying Kirk became "a statistic he advocated for," in reference to Kirk's prior comments on the Second Amendment.

Another post reshares a photo of the moment Kirk was shot, appearing to mock the often-used line of "thoughts and prayers" as "tots and pears."

At issue: whether the firefighter, as a public-serving employee, is protected in expressing his personal or political opinions on a personal Facebook page.

"Freedom of Speech does have consequences," said one comment.

"I don’t think you should lose his job because of a social media post. If that were the case, half of Wichita would be unemployed," read another, on a different post.

Most of the public comments about the firefighter's post say someone working in public safety should not make fun of death and violence or be politically divisive, given their service to everyone, no matter one's political beliefs.

"It sucks that your taxes are being used to employ a person who publicly celebrates the assassination of anybody, let alone a non-violent husband and father," said a post, sharing the incident.

"I think his stance raises serious concerns about how he would perform on calls. If he saw any indication someone has a view other than his, do you honestly think he could put that aside in an emergency?" asked a commenter.

"Of course, you've got the First Amendment up here," said Dr. Russell Arben Fox, a professor of political science at Friends University. "But you might have all sorts of department policies down here."

In the Sedgwick County employee's code of ethics, employees are guided to "show regard for the diversity, needs, feelings, opinions, and beliefs of all people," which is why some are calling for the firefighter to be fired.

"His freedom of speech is to be protected, but that does not safeguard him from the consequences of his actions on the public’s confidence in him as a public servant," read another comment.

The discussion around his posts comes after a series of people, including college professors, have suspended or lost their jobs across the nation for comments relating to Kirk and his death.

"Are they held to a higher standard in some kind of constitutional sense? They can't be, because we're all equal citizens," said Fox. "In practice, are they? Yeah. That's because the institutions they work for choose to set those things up."

The Sedgwick County Fire Fighters Local 216 union distanced itself from the post, making this statement:

"To all those we serve, Local 2612 firefighters are held to the highest standard and want to assure the public that we are here to answer the call no matter what, where and when. Local 2612 does not condone behavior that mocks or glorifies political violence or any violence for that matter. The actions of one or even a few, do not represent the organization as a whole. We want those we serve to know, you should always feel safe to call 911 if and when needed."

Sedgwick County Commissioner Ryan Baty took to social media himself, calling the comments disgusting, cold-hearted, and very unfortunate.

He said the Fire Chief and County Manager would update Commissioners on the matter on Monday.

Segdwick County released the following statement:

"Sedgwick County Government is aware of recent remarks made on social media regarding current national events. The views expressed do not necessarily represent Sedgwick County Government. We remain dedicated to providing a healthy, safe and welcoming community.

This is a personnel matter and no further information will be disclosed."

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