Former Fire Chief Charged With Ethnic Intimidation

John M. Romano, a former assistant chief of the Sharon Hill Fire Co., faces multiple charges including ethnic intimidation and terroristic threats after allegedly shouting racial slurs at a Black woman during a traffic confrontation on November 21, 2024. While blocking traffic with his forklift, Romano responded aggressively to the woman's attempts to pass, using derogatory language and threatening to find her personal information. The incident, captured on police body camera, revealed Romano's admission to the offensive remarks, where he expressed a belief that 'they're all animals.' Following the incident, the Sharon Hill Borough Council terminated Romano's employment and severed all ties with him, emphasizing their commitment to community safety. Local leaders have condemned the behavior and assured the public that such actions would not go unpunished. The woman involved has since reported feeling unsafe due to Romano's threats.