Black Firefighter Claims Discrimination
Published: Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Atlantic City - A firefighter has sued the city, claiming racial discrimination in the Fire Department.
Capt. Roderick B. Knox was unfairly harassed, disciplined and transferred over several years because he is black, the lawsuit alleges. It names the city, Fire Chief Dennis Brooks and Battalion Chief Robert Palamaro.
Knox, a firefighter since 1992, is seeking financial compensation, the removal of "racist individuals who have obtained positions of power in the administration" and the adoption of a race-neutral promotion system. His attorney is Clifford Van Syoc.
Battalion Chief Michael Mooney said the department has no comment on the lawsuit.
Knox also sued Trump Taj Mahal Hotel Casino in 1998, claiming his job there had been eliminated when less valuable white employees with similar responsibilities remained.
Compiled by staff writers Emily Previti, Michelle Lee and Eric Scott Campbell.
