Ohio Fire Captain Files Discrimination Lawsuit

A captain with the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department, has filed suit alleging racial and gender discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The complaint, filed September 18, 2025 in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, names the City of Toledo, three chiefs, one captain, four lieutenants, and a firefighter as defendants.

The lawsuit was filed Captain Komako Goolsby, who has served with Toledo Fire and Rescue since 2002. In September 2022, she became the first African-American female promoted to the rank of Captain.

The complaint alleges that since her promotion, Captain Goolsby has been subjected to discriminatory treatment, harassment, intimidation, and repeated internal investigations.

• In 2024, she was charged with policy violations related to vehicle backing procedures without being interviewed, while similarly situated Caucasian captains received investigations before discipline.
• A lieutenant allegedly filed multiple internal complaints against her, confronted her aggressively, and spread disparaging remarks, including accusations of “reverse racism.”
• An assistant chief allegedly pursued investigations into her conduct, including accusations of falsifying a report and mishandling equipment, which she claims were excessive and later leaked to the press.
• A chief and a firefighter allegedly made disparaging posts on Facebook about her without disciplinary consequences.
• Other allegations involve harassment and threats by lieutenants, social media posts referencing extremist imagery, and threats of mailing items to her home that put her family at risk .

The complaint states that despite her repeated reports to the City of Toledo, including to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion officials and senior fire officers, no corrective action was taken. Captain Goolsby alleges that instead, investigations and disciplinary actions against her escalated.

Captain Goolsby brings multiple claims under Ohio law, including:

• Race discrimination (R.C. § 4112.01 et seq.)
• Gender discrimination (R.C. § 4112.01 et seq.)
• Hostile work environment
• Retaliation (R.C. § 4112.02(I))
• Unlawful aiding, abetting, and inciting discrimination (R.C. § 4112.02(J))
• Respondeat superior liability against the City

The complaint seeks damages in excess of $25,000 per claim, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and other relief as deemed appropriate by the court. Here is a copy of the complaint: