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St. Louis-area officer fired after Facebook comments on Ferguson protests

Joshua Berlinger, CNN
Updated 1:08 PM EDT, Sat August 30, 2014
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Protesters march in Ferguson, Missouri, on Thursday, August 21 2014. The St. Louis suburb saw turmoil after a white police officer, Darren Wilson, fatally shot an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown, on August 9, 2014. Some protesters and law enforcement officers clashed in the streets, leading to injuries and arrests.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Jeff Roberson/AP
Protesters march in Ferguson, Missouri, on Thursday, August 21 2014. The St. Louis suburb saw turmoil after a white police officer, Darren Wilson, fatally shot an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown, on August 9, 2014. Some protesters and law enforcement officers clashed in the streets, leading to injuries and arrests.
A crowd gathers in Ferguson on August 21, 2014. With the situation appearing to calm, Gov. Jay Nixon ordered the Missouri National Guard to begin withdrawing from the city.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Joshua LOTT/AFP/Getty Images
A crowd gathers in Ferguson on August 21, 2014. With the situation appearing to calm, Gov. Jay Nixon ordered the Missouri National Guard to begin withdrawing from the city.
Police escort a Wilson supporter to a police vehicle, away from crowds protesting Brown's death on Wednesday, August 20, 2014. Police have said Brown and Wilson struggled over the officer's gun; some witnesses said Brown had his hands in the air when he was shot.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Police escort a Wilson supporter to a police vehicle, away from crowds protesting Brown's death on Wednesday, August 20, 2014. Police have said Brown and Wilson struggled over the officer's gun; some witnesses said Brown had his hands in the air when he was shot.
Lightning streaks over protesters on August 20, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Jeff Roberson/AP
Lightning streaks over protesters on August 20, 2014.
Demonstrators protest on August 20, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Joshua LOTT/AFP/Getty Images
Demonstrators protest on August 20, 2014.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder meets with Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol at a Ferguson restaurant on August 20, 2014. Holder came to Missouri to talk to community leaders and review the federal civil rights investigation into Brown's shooting.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder meets with Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol at a Ferguson restaurant on August 20, 2014. Holder came to Missouri to talk to community leaders and review the federal civil rights investigation into Brown's shooting.
Protesters march through the streets of Ferguson on August 20, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Protesters march through the streets of Ferguson on August 20, 2014.
Police point out a demonstrator who has his arms raised before moving in to arrest him Tuesday, August 19, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Police point out a demonstrator who has his arms raised before moving in to arrest him Tuesday, August 19, 2014.
People watch from inside a restaurant as protesters rally August 19, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Charlie Riedel/AP
People watch from inside a restaurant as protesters rally August 19, 2014.
Police arrest a demonstrator on August 19, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police arrest a demonstrator on August 19, 2014.
Police charge into the media work area with weapons drawn as they try to control demonstrators on August 19, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police charge into the media work area with weapons drawn as they try to control demonstrators on August 19, 2014.
A protester speaks to a police officer on August 19, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Michael B. Thomas/AFP/Getty Images
A protester speaks to a police officer on August 19, 2014.
People on August 19 stand near a memorial where Brown was shot and killed, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
People on August 19 stand near a memorial where Brown was shot and killed, 2014.
Protesters march on August 19, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Charlie Riedel/AP
Protesters march on August 19, 2014.
Police watch as protesters march August 19, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Charlie Riedel/AP
Police watch as protesters march August 19, 2014.
A demonstrator is arrested on August 19, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A demonstrator is arrested on August 19, 2014.
Police try to control protesters on Monday, August 18, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police try to control protesters on Monday, August 18, 2014.
Police lead a man away during a protest August 18, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Charlie Riedel/AP
Police lead a man away during a protest August 18, 2014.
A demonstrator shouts during a protest on West Florissant Avenue, one of Ferguson's main streets, on August 18, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Michael B. Thomas/AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator shouts during a protest on West Florissant Avenue, one of Ferguson's main streets, on August 18, 2014.
Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol pulls his men back from aggressive protesters on August 18, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
J.B. Forbes/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT/LANDOV
Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol pulls his men back from aggressive protesters on August 18, 2014.
Police arrest a demonstrator August 18, 2014, after peaceful protests gave way to angry confrontations with authorities.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Police arrest a demonstrator August 18, 2014, after peaceful protests gave way to angry confrontations with authorities.
Law enforcement officers stand guard during a protest on West Florissant Avenue on August 18, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Michael B. Thomas/AFP/Getty Images
Law enforcement officers stand guard during a protest on West Florissant Avenue on August 18, 2014.
A woman helps a man affected by tear gas August 18, 2014. The situation overnight deteriorated after a handful of protesters threw rocks, bottles and Molotov cocktails at police. Officers responded by firing stun grenades and tear gas canisters.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Charlie Riedel/AP
A woman helps a man affected by tear gas August 18, 2014. The situation overnight deteriorated after a handful of protesters threw rocks, bottles and Molotov cocktails at police. Officers responded by firing stun grenades and tear gas canisters.
Officers stand with weapons drawn during a protest on West Florissant Avenue on August 18, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Michael B. Thomas/AFP/Getty Images
Officers stand with weapons drawn during a protest on West Florissant Avenue on August 18, 2014.
Musician Nelly, center, joins demonstrators in Ferguson on August 18, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Musician Nelly, center, joins demonstrators in Ferguson on August 18, 2014.
Demonstrators receive red roses as they protest August 18, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Demonstrators receive red roses as they protest August 18, 2014.
Demonstrators march on August 18, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Demonstrators march on August 18, 2014.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson shakes hands with a police officer as he visits Ferguson's demonstration area on August 18, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
The Rev. Jesse Jackson shakes hands with a police officer as he visits Ferguson's demonstration area on August 18, 2014.
A protester picks up a tear gas canister on Sunday, August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
A protester picks up a tear gas canister on Sunday, August 17, 2014.
Police wait to advance after using tear gas to disperse protesters August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Charlie Riedel/AP
Police wait to advance after using tear gas to disperse protesters August 17, 2014.
Water gets poured into a woman's eyes after a tear gas attack by police on August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Water gets poured into a woman's eyes after a tear gas attack by police on August 17, 2014.
A man runs through clouds of tear gas on August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A man runs through clouds of tear gas on August 17, 2014.
Protesters react as police fire tear gas at them August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Protesters react as police fire tear gas at them August 17, 2014.
Police advance through a cloud of tear gas on August 17, 2014. Most of the crowd had dispersed after a curfew went into effect at midnight, St. Louis County authorities said.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police advance through a cloud of tear gas on August 17, 2014. Most of the crowd had dispersed after a curfew went into effect at midnight, St. Louis County authorities said.
People take cover from tear gas inside a McDonald's on August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
People take cover from tear gas inside a McDonald's on August 17, 2014.
A large group of police officers advance toward protesters on August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A large group of police officers advance toward protesters on August 17, 2014.
A man fights the effects of tear gas in Ferguson on August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A man fights the effects of tear gas in Ferguson on August 17, 2014.
Michael Brown Sr. and Lesley McSpadden, the parents of Michael Brown, attend a rally at Greater Grace Church in Ferguson on August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Michael Brown Sr. and Lesley McSpadden, the parents of Michael Brown, attend a rally at Greater Grace Church in Ferguson on August 17, 2014.
The Rev. Al Sharpton hugs McSpadden during the rally.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
The Rev. Al Sharpton hugs McSpadden during the rally.
Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol speaks at the rally. He had been appointed by the governor to take control of security operations.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Charlie Riedel/AP
Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol speaks at the rally. He had been appointed by the governor to take control of security operations.
Demonstrators defy a curfew early on August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Charlie Riedel/AP
Demonstrators defy a curfew early on August 17, 2014.
Police fire tear gas at demonstrators after curfew on August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police fire tear gas at demonstrators after curfew on August 17, 2014.
A law enforcement officer aims his rifle August 17,, 2014, after tear gas was fired to disperse a crowd.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Charlie Riedel?AP
A law enforcement officer aims his rifle August 17,, 2014, after tear gas was fired to disperse a crowd.
Law enforcement officers check a building on August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Charlie Riedel/AP
Law enforcement officers check a building on August 17, 2014.
People attend a protest after the midnight curfew on August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
People attend a protest after the midnight curfew on August 17, 2014.
A law enforcement officer watches as tear gas is fired to disperse a crowd on August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Charlie Riedel/AP
A law enforcement officer watches as tear gas is fired to disperse a crowd on August 17, 2014.
Police stand guard before the midnight curfew on Saturday, August 16, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police stand guard before the midnight curfew on Saturday, August 16, 2014.
People loot the Ferguson Market and Liquor store on August 16, 2014. Several businesses were looted as police held their positions nearby.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
People loot the Ferguson Market and Liquor store on August 16, 2014. Several businesses were looted as police held their positions nearby.
Missouri State Highway Patrol officers listen to taunts from demonstrators during a protest on Friday, August 15, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Missouri State Highway Patrol officers listen to taunts from demonstrators during a protest on Friday, August 15, 2014.
Demonstrators protest with their hands up on August 15, 2014. The "hands up" gesture has become a symbol in protests as Brown, according to eyewitnesses, was trying to surrender when he was shot multiple times.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Demonstrators protest with their hands up on August 15, 2014. The "hands up" gesture has become a symbol in protests as Brown, according to eyewitnesses, was trying to surrender when he was shot multiple times.
Police confront demonstrators on August 15, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police confront demonstrators on August 15, 2014.
A demonstrator throws a tear gas canister back at police on August 15, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A demonstrator throws a tear gas canister back at police on August 15, 2014.
Police confront demonstrators on August 15, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police confront demonstrators on August 15, 2014.
Thousands of demonstrators march down a Ferguson street with members of the St. Louis County Police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Thursday, August 14, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Jeff Roberson/AP
ri —
Thousands of demonstrators march down a Ferguson street with members of the St. Louis County Police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Thursday, August 14, 2014.
Demonstrators hold signs as traffic moves slowly past them on August 14, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Jeff Roberson/AP
Demonstrators hold signs as traffic moves slowly past them on August 14, 2014.
People scramble as police fire tear gas on August 17, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
People scramble as police fire tear gas on August 17, 2014.
State Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson smiles at demonstrators on August 14, 2014. Johnson was appointed to lead security as state troopers took over after days of clashes between protesters and local police.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
DAVID CARSON/MCT/Landov
State Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson smiles at demonstrators on August 14, 2014. Johnson was appointed to lead security as state troopers took over after days of clashes between protesters and local police.
The Rev. Traci Blackmon uses a megaphone to talk to a large group of demonstrators on August 14, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Jeff Roberson/AP
The Rev. Traci Blackmon uses a megaphone to talk to a large group of demonstrators on August 14, 2014.
A man picks up a flaming bottle and prepares to throw it as a line of police advance in the distance on Wednesday, August 13, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Jeff Roberson/AP
A man picks up a flaming bottle and prepares to throw it as a line of police advance in the distance on Wednesday, August 13, 2014.
Police stand in clouds of smoke as they clash with protesters on August 13, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Jeff Roberson/AP
Police stand in clouds of smoke as they clash with protesters on August 13, 2014.
An Al-Jazeera television crew runs for cover as police fire tear gas at its position on August 13, 2014. Video and images on social media showed police later breaking down the journalists' gear.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
An Al-Jazeera television crew runs for cover as police fire tear gas at its position on August 13, 2014. Video and images on social media showed police later breaking down the journalists' gear.
A protester runs from tear gas exploding around him on August 13, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
David Carson/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT/landov
A protester runs from tear gas exploding around him on August 13, 2014.
Police stand guard among demonstrators on August 13, 2014
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police stand guard among demonstrators on August 13, 2014
Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson fields questions during a news conference on August 13, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson fields questions during a news conference on August 13, 2014.
A small group of protesters block traffic in the street before police arrived on August 13, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Jeff Roberson/AP
A small group of protesters block traffic in the street before police arrived on August 13, 2014.
A protester throws a tear gas canister back toward police on August 13, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT/LANDOV
A protester throws a tear gas canister back toward police on August 13, 2014.
Police detain a man on Tuesday, August 12, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police detain a man on Tuesday, August 12, 2014.
People congregate at the Greater St. Marks Family Church in St. Louis along with the family of Michael Brown and the Rev. Al Sharpton on August 12, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
People congregate at the Greater St. Marks Family Church in St. Louis along with the family of Michael Brown and the Rev. Al Sharpton on August 12, 2014.
Michael Brown Sr. stands alongside Sharpton, right, during a news conference in St. Louis on August 12, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Michael Brown Sr. stands alongside Sharpton, right, during a news conference in St. Louis on August 12, 2014.
Demonstrators protest August 12 in Ferguson, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Demonstrators protest August 12 in Ferguson, 2014.
A makeshift memorial sits in the middle of the street where Michael Brown was shot and killed.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Jeff Roberson/AP
A makeshift memorial sits in the middle of the street where Michael Brown was shot and killed.
A woman tries to calm an emotional protester during a demonstration outside the headquarters of the Ferguson Police Department on August 11, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images
A woman tries to calm an emotional protester during a demonstration outside the headquarters of the Ferguson Police Department on August 11, 2014.
Phaedra Parks, left, comforts Desuirea Harris, the grandmother of Michael Brown, during a news conference in Jennings, Missouri, on August 11, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Jeff Roberson/AP
Phaedra Parks, left, comforts Desuirea Harris, the grandmother of Michael Brown, during a news conference in Jennings, Missouri, on August 11, 2014.
Police officers arrest a man who refused to leave when police cleared streets in Ferguson on August 11, 2014.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT/LANDOV
Police officers arrest a man who refused to leave when police cleared streets in Ferguson on August 11, 2014.
A burned-out QuikTrip gas station smolders on August 11, 2014 after protesters looted and burned the Ferguson building the night before.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
Laurie Skrivan/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT/LANDOV
A burned-out QuikTrip gas station smolders on August 11, 2014 after protesters looted and burned the Ferguson building the night before.
Police officers and protesters confront each other on Saturday, August 9, the same day Michael Brown was shot and killed.
Photos: Photos: Emotions run high in Ferguson
David Carson/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT/LANDOV
Police officers and protesters confront each other on Saturday, August 9, the same day Michael Brown was shot and killed.

Story highlights

"These protesters should be put down like a rabid dog," the officer purportedly wrote

Glendale, Missouri, Officer Matthew Pappert was suspended a week ago

His chief cited "very concerning and inappropriate posts on his personal Facebook page"

Pappert's attorney issued a statement saying the officer was sorry

CNN —  

A St. Louis-area police officer has been fired after making what his chief called “very concerning and inappropriate” Facebook comments on the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, according to a city official.

“These protesters should be put down like a rabid dog the first night,” Pappert wrote in one post, according to CNN affiliate KMOV. There were reportedly five inappropriate posts, KMOV said.

Pappert, a six-year veteran of the Glendale force, was originally suspended on August 22 after the comments came to light. An inquiry was initiated that day.

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Caleb-Michael Files
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video

Officer resigns after Ferguson incident

“Officer Pappert was dismissed following the conclusion of the investigation,” City Administrator Jaysen Christensen said. “Our focus at this point is to move past this, and turn the focus back to healing in … Ferguson.”

Glendale, like Ferguson, is a municipality in St. Louis County. The two suburbs are about 15 miles apart.

A week ago, Glendale Police Chief Jeffrey Beaton suspended Pappert and cited what he called the “inappropriate posts on his personal Facebook page,” according to the Webster-Kirkwood Times, an online news outlet in the area.

Police in the area have come under fire for their heavy-handed response to the Ferguson protests following Brown’s death.

An attorney for Pappert said his client was sorry for his online comments.

“Officer Pappert is deeply remorseful about what he posted on social media,” lawyer William Goldstein said. “We ask for (the) same spirit of forgiveness and the opportunity for redemption.”

Pappert was not the only police officer in the region suspended for comments that were perceived as offensive.

Dan Page, an officer with the St. Louis County Police Department, was caught on camera pushing CNN’s Don Lemon. He was placed on administrative leave after a video surfaced of him ranting about the Supreme Court and Muslims, among other things.

He also refers on the video to Barack Obama as “that illegal alien who claims to be our President.”

Complete coverage of Ferguson shooting and protests

CNN’s John Newsome, Greg Botelho and AnneClaire Stapleton contributed to this report.

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