Firefighter With Down Syndrome Quits After Ruthless Bullying, Then His Family Steps In

Feb 26, 2019 by apost team

Bullying is a plague in our society. Whether its online or in-person, many misguided individuals try to make themselves feel better by making someone else feel worse.

Sadly, bullying is no longer confined to antics at the schoolyard, with people feeling the pain of harassment at their workplaces.

One firefighter in Illinois recently felt the harm of bullying while performing his routine duties.

33-year old Jason Eagan has always longed to be a firefighter. The idea of helping people and serving the community is a source of immense pride for the young man. Jason’s case is especially poignant because he also has Down syndrome.

While his family attests that there was some hesitation when he first applied, Jason passed all the tests and qualifications to become a member of the Sandoval Fire Department in 2016.

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Despite being a fully qualified firefighter, Jason quickly learned that not everyone was happy with his presence in the department. Jason soon became the target of bullying among his fellow firefighters, who called him names and removed him from the emergency paging system.

Speaking with reporters from Fox 2 News, Jason said that the actions of his fellow firemen weren’t right, and they intentionally tried to hurt him emotionally. The situation got so bad that Jason decided to resign his position.

Upon hearing that Jason had been forced out of the Sandoval Fire Department because of bullying, his sister, Kristin, took to Facebook to express her displeasure with the department.

Kristin told friends that Jason is an amazing person and that the department should treat him with the same respect they show to all other members. Kristin’s post quickly went viral, making news throughout the world.

Following the public uproar, one firefighter who harassed Jason resigned and another might also leave the department. Jason has since returned to the department he loves so much. Department leaders say that it was only a few firefighters who bullied Jason and that the rest of the department appreciates his passion and service to the community.

Jason’s aunt, Mary Kay Eagan-Robbins, also told reporters that the family doesn’t blame the department for what happened and hopes the public gives the brave volunteers all the support they need to serve the citizens of Sandoval.

What do you think of Jason’s story? Have you ever been bullied in school or your place of employment? How did you handle it? Let us know in the comments - and make sure to pass this along to your friends and loved ones.