A Bloomfield, New Jerset firefighter has filed a $25 million lawsuit against the township, the fire department and its chief, and a fellow firefighter over allegations of racism on the job per Patch.
Patrick Thomas, an African American, alleged that during a rope and knot training session in November 2023, Firefighter Walter Coffey, a 23-year veteran firefighter, made a noose out of the training rope and threw it towards Firefighter Thomas.
“I want you to figure out what kind of knot this is,” Coffer allegedly said, handing his Thomas a noose. Thomas replied that, “I know exactly what this is, this is a noose. This is what people used to hang my ancestors from trees. You think this is funny?” Coffey’s only response was to continue laughing.
Thomas alleges that despite the criminal charges, Coffey remains employed by the Bloomfield Fire Department and that the municipality’s internal investigation has not been completed nearly two years later.
According to a press release issued by Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell, “upon learning of the November 2023 racial harassment incident involving a Bloomfield firefighter, the Township took immediate and decisive action, promptly referring the incident to law enforcement. Additionally, the firefighter, Walter Coffey, was suspended without pay and the legal termination process was initiated the same day the conduct was reported. Walter Coffey remains on unpaid suspension and has not been permitted to return to duty while the Township finalizes the legal process of terminating his employment.”
The mayor added, “The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office conducted an independent investigation, ultimately charging and indicting Walter Coffey for bias intimidation. This criminal accountability reinforces what has been clear from the outset: racist conduct will not be tolerated in Bloomfield.”