Bethlehem Police Chief Mark DiLuzio has retired, Mayor Robert Donchez announced earlier on Friday.
The chief of six years shared a meme on his personal Facebook page that appeared to mock NBA players’ protests on Sunday. The post drew controversy, prompting his accelerated decision to retire, and DiLuzio apologized on Tuesday.
The post has since been deleted.
This is NOT a social media problem @BethlehemMayor this is a racism problem. I have to wonder if he didn’t read it prior to posting, what exactly about the photo was so funny it was worth posting? Mark Diluzio is chief @BethlehemPolice pic.twitter.com/NmQOhVF3HJ
— Michele of Bethlehem (@MOB514) September 2, 2020
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, DiLuzio said, “I learned there was a message attached to it [the photo]that does not represent me and which I find offensive.”
“The message does not represent what I have stood for over 40 years as a law enforcement officer,” the Facebook post said. “I extend a heartfelt apology to all who read this offensive post.”
DiLuzio recently met with a citizens advisory board surrounding issues of law enforcement and racial relations in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests.
DiLuzio worked in law enforcement for 40 years, working for LUPD from 1980-1989.
The Morning Call reported this story first.
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14 Comments
“This is NOT a social media problem
@BethlehemMayor
this is a racism problem.” It’s neither it’s stupidity. You need to consider the reaction to your free speech comments as they relate to your job. Perception is everything and the sign on the bandwagon is changing daily. Be careful out there.
Of course that represents him! No big deal, he is partially correct. Anyway he is one handsome old man!!
This is no surprise given our interactions with the ousted Chief DiLuzio. The offensive post that forced DiLuzio to resign this week is no doubt in our minds indicative of how DiLuzio truly feels and is an accurate representation of both him and his department. Despite his failed attempts to save his public image, those of us in the community know the real truth about who DiLuzio is and what he stands for. Likewise, we are also sadly aware of the corruption that still lies within the Bethlehem Police Department.
I echo the words of Lehigh Valley Stands Up:
“This is what the power of the people looks like!
It was incredibly clear that the police chief was not acting in the best interest of every Bethlehem Resident.
Let this be a lesson.
Racism and bigotry will not be tolerated by the people. Whether it’s on social media, in policy, or in private conversation. We are holding you accountable.
And we will replace you.”
Today is a good day.
I applaud and whole heartedly agree with your post. This is good for Bethlehem. Now, the city can work on mending relationships and rebuilding trust, as it looks forward to a better future.
Please post the offensive post, which I assume you are familiar with, so that those who have not accessed it may evaluate it for themselves.
I posted it below on September 5
Thanks but for some reason I don’t see it. Glitch or sabotage?
Look again right below. I put quotation marks around it.
Anti-white, black, red, green, pink or purple. The City of Bethlehem Pennsylvania should, needs to, hire a police chief, elect a mayor, and nominate a city council, that eliminates words that describe individuals by the color of their skin, family origin or genocidal hate. And, I’m not a fan of Pro-anything; but, I believe they’re multimillionaires of all races, in all pro-sports.
I searched to see what was supposedly so offensive. Apparently, it was this statement:
“Truth… I just saved a bunch of money by canceling my sports package with DirecTV and I don’t have to hear all the racist, anti-white, complaining, leftist, divisive, hatred from a bunch of multimillionaire spoiled little brats.
Hey Hollywood, you’re next!”
That is an accurate descriptor of today’s pro athletes. They are indeed despicable unAmerican phonies!!!!
I for one thinks he is right this is your first amentment right to say how you feel. Facebook should be sued. We all have our right to our first amentment right to freedam of speech.
Maybe everyone is making a little too much here over a relatively innocent facebook posting…?
I agree with everything he said and feel bad for the chief that he was forced to resign. Its ok for liberals to say whatever they want but a remark critical of them destroys a great career. So sad but this is where we’re headed if the dems run the country.
Very funny meme…the message about not supporting a Marxist led ideology is spot on. The left has become a fascist one dementional small hat party.