SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Spokane County Sergeant Jeff Thurman has been fired from the sheriff’s office after he allegedly spoke to a colleague about killing minorities, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office investigated an internal complaint that alleged the sergeant, while off-duty, called an on-duty deputy and asked, “You ready to kill some [racial slur] tonight or what?”
The sheriff's office said a deputy answered Thurman's call over a Bluetooth speaker while he was parked next to another deputy.
“Additionally, statements of sexual harassment and conduct unbecoming a Deputy/Supervisor were discovered during the internal investigation,” said Corporal Mark Gregory, spokesman for the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said the sexual harassment allegations were revealed after the alleged racist remark was reported.
Thurman allegedly told a young female deputy that she would be rooming with him during an upcoming training and "she would be coming back pregnant," Knezovich said.
Knezovich said Thurman declined to meet with him in person on Thursday for a hearing regarding the allegations and instead provided a written response. Knezovich then terminated Thurman's employment.
Thurman has 10 days to appeal the firing.
During a press conference, Knezovich was asked whether Thurman's comments are part of a larger culture of racism. He said that's not the case.
"This isn't who we are. In 29 years, I've never seen this. And I hope to never see it again," Knezovich said.
Knezovich said this situation is the lowest point he's had in his 29 years at the sheriff's office.
Thurman is the former handler of well-known K9 Laslo, whose assisted in the arrest of more than 470 suspects. Laslo died last year after a long battle with seizures.
Thurman has been a member of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office since July 2001.