Hundreds of Canyon Lake residents are in an uproar after a negative Facebook post by a local EMT/paramedic about the murder of right-wing conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk in Utah Wednesday created so much controversy that Comal County’s public information officer, county commissioners, Canyon Lake’s fire chief and the presidents of Emergency Services Districts (ESD) No. 2 and No. 3 were forced to issue statements assuring residents they are taking the matter seriously.
After learning of Kirk’s death, Danielle Marie Meyers posted Wednesday, “Good riddance. Thoughts and prayers to the other guy.”
The backlash to her comments was swift, with many questioning whether the EMT/paramedic could or should be entrusted with the lives of people who live in a predominantly Republican community.
“When will Dept. leaders take this seriously?” one poster asked on Facebook. “She is a cancer and should not be allowed to practice medicine. What’s to stop her from judging someone like me and not performing the necessary life-saving skills needed because of my perceived political views?”
However, many other Canyon Lake residents responded that people like Meyers are being persecuted and fired for simply expressing a different viewpoint that happens to be legally protected free speech.
In a statement issued today, Comal County ESD No. 3 Fire Chief Robert Mikel, ESD No. 3 President Stuart Magloff, and ESD No. 2 President Bob Janusaitis also pushed back, stating that they are not responsible for an employee’s private posts, which are protected under the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights, the collective name of the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
However, they described Meyers’ conduct as “unacceptable” and said they are launching an investigation into the matter.
“While this process is underway, we want to assure the public that we remain steadfast in our commitment to accountability and the highest standards of public service,” they said. “We reaffirm our dedication to maintaining the trust and confidence of our citizens and guests in the Canyon Lake community and will continue to uphold our duty to serve every individual in our community with the utmost dignity and respect.”
ESD No. 3 and ESD No. 2 are better known as Canyon Lake Fire/EMS.
Pct. 1 Commissioner Doug Leeock, who represents the south side of Canyon Lake, said it’s “imperative that the public has faith and trust in the people that are first to respond when called upon.”
Pct. 4 Commissioner Jen Crownover, who represents the north side of the lake, said she is forwarding all messages she receives to Mikel.
“Y’all are being heard,” she said.
ESD No. 2 and ESD No. 3’s joint statement still wasn’t enough for some. Although one poster deemed Mikel one of the best fire chiefs in Texas, another implied that remains to be seen.
“I and several hundred, possibly thousands, expect him to do the right thing,” another responded. “If not, then he should resign.”
In a Dec. 12, 2022 Facebook post by ESD No. 3, Meyers was honored as EMT/Paramedic of the year.
Both Pct. 4 Crownover and Comal County were quick to clarify Meyers’ employment status.
“Comal County does not operate a fire department,” Public Information Officer Cary Zayas said. “Fire and EMS services are provided by independent ESDs throughout the county. ESD employees are not Comal County employees. ESDs are separate government entities. . . We know this situation has created strong feelings, and we’ve heard from many of you. Accurate information and respectful dialogue are how we move forward as a community.”
MyCanyonLake.com reached out to Mikel to ask whether Meyers had been terminated or placed on administrative leave, and to clarify whether she is a firefighter or paramedic, but ESD No. 3 did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
It sounds like everyone is passing the buck and leaving the concerned citizens wondering if the ESD Employment agencies will do anything meaningful to promote public trust. Trust has been lost when this passing the buck narrative goes on, especially when we see swift action taking place in other areas such as mouthy teachers and even employees that were insubordinate to customer printing posters for prayer vigils in Office Depot.
Many of my medical service providers are not members of the same political party as me. We have discussed political platforms. So, let’s real here. Medical professionals take an oath to first do no harm. They do not take an oath to a political party. They don’t ask what are your political beliefs before they decide to save a life. As a provider, I had to listen to many about their views but, I had a Code of Ethics I had to follow to make sure they got the therapy services they needed. She practiced her First Amendment Right of which Kirk was so proud to banter, as it suited him. So, it is not about her being able to provide quality of care to you and yours, it is about her sharing her opinion under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. You cannot pick and choose to whom the Bill of Rights apply. This is a civil rights attorney’s dream.
I don’t understand why all of a sudden a right-wing guy getting clipped is any different than what’s been going on with left-leaning politicians for years… Look at what happened to Nancy pelosi’s husband, look at what happened with the representatives from Minnesota, hell the two guys that tried to assassinate Trump or both registered Republicans…. Based on the reporting this lady isn’t actively calling for some kind of radical Communist revolution so I really don’t understand why some personal comments on her own personal page is drawing this much criticism and outrage…..
Free speech is a right for everyone but to be in a medical position and be happy/glad someone died is not a right. Her right is to have compassion for all people and make sure they are taken care of to the best of her ability. If I had a Trump shirt on what would her reaction be oh let her die another one gone.