Quoted Text

Volunteer firefighter files bias complaint
Rotterdam member says he was singled out because of his race

By ROBERT GAVIN, Staff writer
First published in print: Friday, July 10, 2009

ALBANY -- The only black member of a volunteer Schenectady County fire district contends he was singled out by the former fire chief and unfairly disciplined because of his race.


Gilbert A. Darrell, a first lieutenant with Rotterdam Fire District No. 6, took his case to the state Division of Human Rights. A hearing on his complaint is scheduled for July 22.

Darrell argued in complaint filed in May that ex-Chief James DeLorenzo arbitrarily disciplined him more severely than other firefighters. He says he complained to the district's Board of Commissioners but received "no relief."

Documents filed in the case said DeLorenzo denied the allegations. The ex-chief contends actions were taken for "legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons."

The documents quote an investigator who found some of the discipline Darrell received was legitimate. But he also found Darrell was subjected to "more harsh discipline than that of his counterparts."

For instance, documents say DeLorenzo suspended Darrell for 90 days in August 2008 for "unprofessional conduct" during a fire call – but did so without an investigation and his action was upheld by the fire board.

The document said the chief suspended Darrell based on a complaint from a member of a neighboring department who not even at the scene of the fire call. That department's acting chief, in turn, wrote a letter stating that Gilbert had not acted unprofessionally.

But DeLorenzo abruptly resigned in September. Acting Chief Mike France was informed only the chief could reinstate Darrell, who was not returned to full status until November.
..........>>>>..........>>>>.........http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=818480&category=YTROTTERDAM

Gee, I'm surprised this wasn't in the gazette. perhaps it was, but I didn't see it when I was at the diner for coffee.

Here we are with the race card again. Race, race, race. Discrimination, discrimination, discrimination. I know, politically incorrect, I know, I know.

Quoted from GrahamBonnet

Here we are with the race card again. Race, race, race. Discrimination, discrimination, discrimination. I know, politically incorrect, I know, I know.

Listen....in the last 40+ years, the black community has gotten every single opportunity as anyone else in this country AND SOME! Now, if a black person was born, oh say in 1965, they would be a 44 year old grown up now. That would have given them the opportunity to get a basic education. Then, with some determination and hard work, go on to college either for free (through the NAACP or minority grants) or perhaps through a sports scholarship. Then with affirmative action, they would have been able to land the job of their choice. Buy a home, in any neighborhood, raise a family and be just about at their peak today.

So honestly, today I am colored blind...really! And if someone is screwing up, I could care less if they are black, white, yellow, purple or green, I'll tell them. I refuse to walk on egg shells when it comes to a person of color.

Now is there still discrimination? Perhaps. It's rumored that the kkk is still alive and well. This I don't agree with.

But guess what...there are many white folks who are discriminated against in the work place everyday AND in certain neighborhoods if they don't quite fit in. And there are no groups to run and cry to.

There is class discriminations. The rich is separate from the middle class and the lower class. And there is no NAAMCP or
NAALCP to run to.

It is what it is! Deal with it! Get over it! And move on! IMHO

its volunteer. if you dont like it then get out.

Quoted from scsd0287

its volunteer. if you dont like it then get out.

Ya ...good point SCSD

volunteer or get out.....no $$ involved.....look at it this way.....one less firefighter and another house that will burn down....if
he was that good.......

if the allegations are true----then----we reap what we sow.......

I dont know how old this chief is....but, working in a nursing home there are predjudices out there---even toward those who
help us when we need it........

JMHO

Quoted from bumblethru

Gee, I'm surprised this wasn't in the gazette. perhaps it was, but I didn't see it when I was at the diner for coffee.

Hmmmm  With all your so-called friends at Tops?  Lay off the diner slop Bumble it rots out yer guts.  Oh I forgot you have no guts!  FRAUD  How was the assessment reduction?  Enuff for you to drop out?  I guess not.  LOL

Quoted from 391

Hmmmm  With all your so-called friends at Tops?  Lay off the diner slop Bumble it rots out yer guts.  Oh I forgot you have no guts!  FRAUD  How was the assessment reduction?  Enuff for you to drop out?  I guess not.  LOL

WTH ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

Quoted from bumblethru

WTH ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

You know damn well what I'm talking about John Boy.

Does PuddyCat have a mouth full of feathers???