New Jersey Fire Chiefs Settle Bias Lawsuit for $1.5M

one current and one retired deputy fire chief in Camden, New Jersey are to receive $1.15 million to settle a racial bias lawsuit.

Gregg Zeff, a lawyer for the two men, says the settlement also calls for fire officials to receive racial sensitivity training.

Former Deputy Chief Terrence Crowder and Deputy Chief Kevin Hailey, who are black, sued in 2001, claiming they were denied overtime and discriminated against in other ways.

A jury found in 2004 that there had been discrimination and awarded the men more than $1 million. But because of an error on a verdict sheet, a new trial was ordered. It was to begin this week.

Camden’s City Council and the state government still have to sign off on the settlement.