Taco Bell told KAKE that they have fired the employee who left a nasty three-letter word on an officer's to-go order. The word “PIG” was penned in what appears to be black marker on at least two of their items.
“We do not share the same belief or view as the employee whatsoever,” Jeff Graves, senior director of operations for Taco Bell, told the station. “Our company, Taco Bell, has always been pro-law enforcement, military. We’ve always supported the police in our community. Many of our restaurants give police discounts when they come in and eat.”
Taco Bell worker FIRED for scrawling 'PIG' on police officer's burritos!! https://t.co/VrImQxkps5
— Bob Gaskin (@BobG231) August 3, 2015
Graves added that he’s been in touch with the couple.
“We’ve of course apologized to him, all the Newton Police officers and, in fact, everyone in the community,” he added to KAKE. “In fact, I’ve even met with the lieutenant with the Newton Police Department this morning, and we’re even going to plan a community event working with the Newton Police officers within the next week just to show our support for the officers and the community.”
The controversial photo has been circulating on social media and the Newton Police Department posted a statement on its Facebook page Sunday morning.
An excerpt reads: "There is a photo depicting a derogatory term written on the food wrappers of one of our officers who stopped in to our local Taco Bell to pick up dinner for himself and his fiance last night."
The photo went viral after an individual who does not work for the department posted it on social media.
"PIG" found on Taco Bell food served to Kansas police officer, fiancé: https://t.co/SLIUmzJQuZ pic.twitter.com/yl0BM8j1xT — 41 Action News (@41ActionNews) August 2, 2015
In a Facebook post, the Newton Police Department said it holds no ill will towards the restaurant, but called the photo disappointing.
"The store manager is terribly apologetic of the actions of her employee and assures us the situation is being handled appropriately," part of the post reads. "A meeting this morning with the Senior Director of Operations yielded positive results, and we are actively working to develop a partnership with Taco Bell to host a community event in the near future. Details will be announced when available."
