COUNTY DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT SETTLED

The Escambia County Commission has voted to settle a claim by a female fighter that she was sexually harassed and discriminated against. She filed a discrimination claim against the Escambia County with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. An investigation into Escambia Fire Rescue that led to County Fire Chief Patrick Grace being relieved of his duties, one firefighter dismissed and a lieutenant reprimanded. The commission voted 4-1 to approve a $175,000 settlement, with the money coming from the county’s insurance company. The lone dissenting vote was cast by Commissioner Lumon May who said the county has not done enough to address the situations that led to the complaint in the first place.

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