EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The East Syracuse fire chief has been suspended without pay after allegedly using a racial slur in a Facebook comment last week.

Mayor Robert Tackman briefly addressed the controversy surrounding the department at a village board meeting Monday night. 

Fire Chief James Brewster is accused of posting a racial slur on Facebook.

Board members met in executive session and firefighters at the meeting walked out.

Mayor Tackman says the suspension will continue while the legal process plays out, and the next steps for the village are determined.