A recruit for the Rochester Fire Department has been terminated for making insensitive remarks in an online video.
A YouTube video shows an unidentified man driving a car, wearing a puppet on his hand.
At one point, he makes a derogatory, anti-Semitic remark.
The city issued a statement saying the recruit failed to satisfactorily complete his probationary training term.
City spokesman James Smith said the actions of the recruit in question did not rise to the high standards set by the Rochester Fire Department, and prompted his termination under the terms of his probationary employment.
Smith says since this is a personnel matter, no other comment or statement will be issued.
Ramirez responded Monday evening, speaking to Time Warner Cable News by telephone. In trying to explain what happened, Ramirez said that he is sorry and understands that it is completely his fault. Ramirez said that it wasn't malicious and reiterated that he is not a racist.
Ramirez told Time Warner that he was visiting his brother, who he hadn't seen in a while, and together, they went for a drive. With a doll on his hand, Ramirez said he started making voices and wisecracks with the doll. Ramirez said the windows were rolled up and he did not know the video his brother was recording would be posted to Facebook.