A Dazzling Array of Claims against the Los Angeles Fire Department
Earlier this month, a Los Angeles jury awarded $1.7 million to former Los Angeles firefighter who is a white, male Jehovah’s Witness. The case is an interesting one because it arises from claims of racial, sexual, and sexual orientation discrimination. Lewis “Steve” Bressler, the recipient of the award–which included $1.3 million in lost wages and $405,000 for emotional distress–was one of three plaintiffs in a case that began with alleged discriminatory actions against Brenda Lee, a black, female homosexual. Bressler and another firefighter, Gary Mellinger, alleged that their careers suffered when they intervened on behalf of Lee.
Mellinger settled his part of the case for $350,000 after a jury found in his favor. Lee’s claim has not yet reached the trial stage.
