Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
The City of Camden, New Jersey settled an eight year old race discrimination suit, as well as a three year old discrimination suit with the same plaintiffs, who are deputy chiefs in the Camden Fire Department. The settlement is reported to be approximately $1.15 million, and follows a Federal District Court jury verdict from 2004 that was in favor of the plaintiffs for over $1 million.
The plaintiffs, both black and both deputy chiefs, alleged they had been forced to endure a hostile work environment, and were denied overtime and promotions based on their race.
As reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer, the settlement includes a requirement that the fire chief, Joseph Marini, retire this year, and that another deputy chief would retire next year. Camden fire officers would also receive racial sensitivity training. The paper was also reporting that the City Council was seeking to borrow the entire settlement amount.
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