Texas Firefighters Face Discrimination Suit

Several black firefighter candidates plan to sue the Denton Fire Department for discrimination, NBC 5 reported.

They said they were passed up for positions because of their race and that the department, which has never hired a black firefighter in its 11-years of operation, has a history of discrimination.

However, Chief Ross Chadwick said a black recruit has never scored high enough on the entry test to become a firefighter. He also said there has been a low number of black applicants, despite recent recruitment efforts.

"The perception in the community is that Denton really doesn't welcome African Americans, especially in public safety, and especially in the fire department," Chadwick said.

Minority firefighters currently on the force include seven Latinos, two American Indians and two women.

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