Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown released a statement Friday addressing alleged racist language used against Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley on Facebook.

The release says that a person using the name "Rosemarie" made vile, racist and dangerous comments toward Finley.

The text exchange was left under a Facebook post and reads:

Rosemarie: "With all that is going on, we don't need petty bulls**t...do the job wisely or boot him out!!! Drag his a** on the back of one of your trucks...!!!"

John Thomas: "Who are you talking about?"

Rosemarie: "...your chief...."

John Thomas: "I though that's what you meant but I wasn't sure."

Mayor Brown said the language cannot go unchallenged and that hate and threats of violence under the mantel of free speech must be addressed.

He also called on all Youngstown residents to condemn this type of abusive behavior.

The release from Mayor Brown's office praises Fire Chief Finley as a great man and leader who loves his family, profession and city.

Rosemarie's profile lists St. Elizabeth Health Center as her employer but a representative of Mercy Health says they have not had an associate by that name since 2007.

Below is a statement from the Youngstown Professional Fire Fighters Local 312 regarding the issue.