The Justice Department has filed a federal lawsuit alleging racial harassment by the Pattonville-Bridgeton Fire Protection District. The suit contends the Pattonville District created and condoned a racially hostile work environment, driving out the only black firefighter to ever have served there. That firefighter was employed in Pattonville from 1989 through 2003. The complaint alleges that during that time, he was the target of severe racial harassment, including being subjected to racial slurs.
