NEW HAVEN, CT – The New Haven Fire Department is investigating allegations by the firefighters union and a black firefighters’ fraternal organization who say discipline has been inconsistent.
Leaders of the union and the fraternal organization, the Firebirds Society, also say morale is low.The New Haven Register reports city officials are investigating the unspecified allegations of racial disparities in discipline. The review will examine disciplinary data.
Union President James Kottage and Firebird executive board member Darrell Brooks say they’d prefer an independent investigation.
Fire Chief Michael Grant said he wouldn’t comment on personnel issues or the investigation.
Kottage says six state human rights complaints have been filed against the Fire Department.
A group of white New Haven firefighters won a reverse discrimination case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009.
From CBSlocal.com