Delaware County fire chief resigns over controversial Facebook post on Trump assassination attempt

On Monday morning, Simmonds took to social media again. This time, he announced his resignation from both roles.

In a statement on Facebook, Simmonds said, “I am truly sorry that my actions as an individual now bring Prospect Park Borough and Fire Company into a negative light. I know that my position requires me to always put the Borough and Fire Company in mind while posting or speaking anywhere in public.”

Simmonds went on to call the Facebook post a “terrible” and “stupid” mistake.

Borough officials reacted to his resignation in a statement.

They said Simmonds was a dedicated public servant. But, they added, “grossly inappropriate language condoning political violence, which violates the oath every public official takes to uphold the Constitution and laws of our country, our state and our borough, forfeits the confidence of our public that such official may continue to serve.”

Action News caught up with Delaware County residents, who also called the comments unacceptable.

“I think it’s absolutely horrible to wish any harm to anybody,” said Charles Callahan from Chester.

Mark Dawson, of Ridley Park, told Action News, “I don’t think it’s appropriate at all, but you see it on both sides. It’s not something our leaders should be doing.”

“You’re a public figure. You can’t be encouraging violence,” he added.

The Prospect Park Fire Company Board of Trustees appointed the assistant fire chief to fill the role of fire chief for the remainder of the term.

The board said its members are now thinking of Corey Comperatore, the firefighter killed during Saturday’s shooting at the rally.

“Our hearts go out to Corey Comperatore and his family. The man is a true hero and was a dedicated member of the fire service,” the board said in a statement.

The board declined to do an on-camera interview with Action News. Borough representatives never responded to our request for comment.

Action News attempted to speak with Simmonds at his home in Prospect Park, but he didn’t answer when we knocked at the door.