Speak Out Against Hate and the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice commend the Cape Gazette for its commitment to open dialogue and for courageously publishing the recent letter by Chase N. Sargent. Freedom of speech is among our most valued constitutional rights, and honest, civil discourse is essential to understanding and progress.
Following that publication, several SOAH and SDARJ board members met with Lewes Fire Chief Stephens, who assumed command following Bill Buckaloo’s resignation, and Public Information Officer Glenn Marshall. Sargent’s statement that “there are only two sides to this issue – you either support bigotry, hatred and racism, or you don’t” resonated as both truth and challenge. Stephens and Marshall expressed their commitment to meeting that challenge directly.
The allegations against the former chief are deeply troubling and are incompatible with public service. We seek to understand how an individual with such a record could be reinstated in any capacity as a first responder. Our missions direct us to speak out clearly and consistently whenever hate incidents occur. The public has an undeniable right to feel safe when calling upon those entrusted with their protection.
It has been confirmed that Buckaloo is not currently active at the Lewes fire stations and that any future role would be non-operational. However, our discussion revealed structural loopholes in the department’s bylaws that may allow his return to active duty. Revisions require at least three months, and frequent turnover on the review committee further delays reform. Stephens and Marshall acknowledged these challenges and expressed a shared commitment to change.
To their credit, the department has taken initial corrective actions, including instituting mandatory diversity, equity and inclusion training; establishing intervention and prevention protocols; and prioritizing members’ mental well-being and initiating dialogue with the NAACP to strengthen community trust. As Marshall stated, “We are part of the community. We live and break bread with the people in this community – we help our neighbors.” Moreover, Stephens placed SOAH’s “Hate Has No Home Here” signs in Lewes’ three stations, and will post yard signs bearing the same message as well.
These steps represent meaningful progress; they must not be viewed as final. Sustained diligence and accountability are essential to ensure that racism, bigotry and hate have no place in any organization entrusted with public safety.
SOAH and SDARJ stand ready to continue working with Stephens, the Lewes Fire Department and community partners to strengthen trust and advance equity and inclusion.
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to viewpoints@capegazette.com. All letters are considered at the discretion of the newsroom and published as space allows. Due to the large volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt of each submission. Letters must include a phone number and address for verification. Keep letters to 400 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content or length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Letters should focus on local issues, not national topics or personalities. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days regarding a particular topic. Authors may submit a second letter within that time period if it pertains to a different issue. Letters may not be critical of personalities or specific businesses. Criticism of public figures is permissible. Endorsement letters for political candidates are no longer accepted. Letters must be the author’s original work, and may not be generated by artificial intelligence tools. Templates, form letters and letters containing language similar to other submissions will not be published.
