The city of Boston has hired outside counsel to review how its fire department is handling claims of harassment and discrimination brought by women firefighters.
The Boston Globe reports that Mayor Martin J. Walsh has hired attorney Kay Hodge of the law firm Stoneman, Chandler & Miller to conduct the review after a Globe reporter informed him of recent allegations made by several of the fire department's former female members.
“Everyone should feel safe coming to work,’’ Walsh said in a statement Sunday announcing the review. “As soon as I learned of these concerns, I asked for outside counsel to take a look at the Boston Fire Department to ensure that we are taking the necessary steps to support an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
In interviews with the Globe, a former liaison for women in the department and two female retirees described a pattern of harassment, sexism and discrimination in the workplace that women often do not report for fear of retaliation or simply not being believed.
The review will include how the department handled an alleged assault at a Jamaica Plain fire station in January in which a female firefighter said an on-duty male colleague exposed himself, grabbed her by the head, and pushed her face toward his crotch. That case will soon be heard in West Roxbury Municipal Court.
Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn said he takes the safety and dignity of all firefighters very seriously and will not tolerate any behavior that is detrimental to the cohesiveness of the centuries-old department.
“It is my priority at the Boston Fire Department that we have a safe and supportive workplace,’’ Finn said Sunday. “I look forward to working with attorney Hodge and I’m fully committed to ensuring that every member of the department has the support they need.”
