Philadelphia House Delegation calls out Sen. Devlin Robinson for disrespecting Pennsylvania firefighter
Rep. Danilo Burgos August 4, 2023 | 9:40 AM
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 4 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today said a recent incident where a firefighter was verbally disrespected is an outrageous act that demands more than a mere apology.
State Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheny, referred to Ken Pagurek, a first responder from Pennsylvania Task Force 1, as a “dick,” using the slur during a committee meeting on Tuesday.
A video shows Robinson, who serves as the chair of the Labor and Industry Committee, leaning towards Sen. Doug Mastriano, making the disgraceful comment, presumably and wrongfully assuming that the microphone was off. The delegation noted that Mastriano seemed amused by the observation.
Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the group is outraged by the confrontation and the lack of empathy shown towards the hardworking men and women who risk their lives every single day protecting communities across our commonwealth.
“We are not going to let these types of degrading remarks go unchecked because of your proximity and disregard for the City of Philadelphia,” said chairwoman Cephas.
“This is not a joke; it just shows the type of leadership that we have in the Pennsylvania Senate. As senators they are supposed to represent all Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, neither Robinson nor Mastriano embody the moral values that their positions require. House Democrats support the voices and work all firefighters across the commonwealth and their right to be respected and honored,” Cephas added.