LOCKPORT, N.Y. -- A racist Facebook post by a public employee is prompting a response by Lockport city leaders.

Mayor Ann McCaffrey says it’s a serious issue that does not reflect the attitudes of people in her community.

The page belongs to Michael Furlong, a heavy equipment operator with the city and a volunteer firefighter.

Furlong commented on a Facebook post, saying there is a need to get rid of all African Americans, while also using a racial slur.

The Executive Board of the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company made a statement Tuesday in response to the post made by one of its members

The statement says: "The Rapids Volunteer Fire Company does not condone the comment(s) made, our organization disavows any knowledge, and at all time strives to treat ALL people with dignity and respect."

"As a public official and our city employees, we're here to represent all people in the city of Lockport and the comments that were made simply do not represent our belief system," McCaffrey (R) said.

There is no word if disciplinary measures will be taken.

The Rapids Volunteer Fire Company says Michael Furlong has been placed on Administrative Suspension pending an internal investigation.

Furlong did not immediately return a request for comment.