Texas

Houston Fire Department terminates 12 cadets for 'racist and hateful' behavior

Houston Public Media News 88.7 | By Kyle McClenagan

Published April 29, 2025 at 6:00 AM CDT

Houston Fire Department cadets listen as Angelina Hudson, CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Health's Houston chapter, talks about prioritizing their mental health in the job.

The Houston Fire Department recently terminated 12 cadets for “racist and hateful behavior,” according to Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz.

"Racism and hateful behavior have no home in Mayor (John) Whitmire's administration or the Houston Fire Department," Muñoz said in a Monday statement toHouston Public Media.

The cadets were dismissed April 18, shortly before the graduation of two cadet classes, according to Houston TV station ABC13, which reported that the 12 cadets had continued to send racist memes after being warned to stop.

Muñoz said the cadets were ultimately terminated for failing to follow the fire department’s code of conduct.

"HFD was made aware of behavior by a group of 12 cadets, who were not yet sworn members of the Department, that is inconsistent with the code of conduct," Muñoz said in his statement. "Investigations by both HFD's Professional Standards division and the City's Office of Inspector General were conducted, and the cadets in question were terminated."