In a recent development from Des Moines, Iowa, Captain David Bernal found himself facing the consequences of an inappropriate comment that led to the termination of his long-standing career with the Des Moines Fire Department. Bernal, who had served the department for over three decades, had already been demoted in 2021 due to ethical violations and misconduct. However, it was a comment related to gay pornography that eventually sealed his fate.
The situation began when Bernal, previously on a final warning, lost his captain title in 2021 after violating ethics, business conduct, and violence prevention policies within the department. A stern warning had been issued, making it clear that any further breaches of workplace policies, including retaliation against fellow department members or the city, would result in immediate termination. Despite the initial setback, Bernal managed to regain his captain position.
However, the turning point came in June of this year when Bernal commented on a Facebook post by a department medic. The post featured pictures of the medic on a fishing trip with a group of children, which had been organized after a shift swap with a colleague. Bernal’s comment, which referred to someone “less fascinated with gay porn,” triggered a swift response.
During a hearing on the matter, Judge Blair Bennett acknowledged Bernal’s claim that the comment was a continuation of earlier workplace banter. Nevertheless, Bennett deemed it “far less credible” that Bernal did not intend to insult gay individuals or those who watch pornography. The judge concluded that the comment constituted workplace misconduct and denied Bernal unemployment benefits. As a result, Captain David Bernal, with over 30 years of service, was dismissed from the Des Moines Fire Department on June 16, 2023, in a decision that highlighted the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace environment.