3 LI fire districts reach settlement over displays of Confederate flag, allegations of discriminatory application practices
The Brookhaven, Levittown and Holbrook fire districts and departments agreed to pay civil fines of $28,000 related to discriminatory hiring practice allegations.
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Three Long Island fire departments entered into a settlement with the New York State’s Division Of Human Rights over allegations of discriminatory application practices and the display of the Confederate flag by some departments.
The Brookhaven, Levittown, and Holbrook fire districts and departments agreed to pay civil fines of $28,000 related to discriminatory hiring practice allegations.
"There shouldn't be any other reason for them to not be there,” said Tori Mills, of Levittown.
The Brookhaven and Levittown fire districts also agreed to never display the Confederate flag ever again.
Brookhaven NAACP President Dr. Georgette Grier-Key says the settlement is a step in the right direction.
“It's one thing to yes acknowledge it, but now we need to take action,” she said. “We're happy and pleased with the settlement."
The settlement comes five years after community members protested when a Brookhaven fire truck displayed the confederate flag during a parade.
"They did apologize and come to the conclusion that they did do a large amount of harm to the community,” said Grier-Key.
The Levittown Fire Department also came under fire after their drill team's profile picture of a Civil War cartoon surfaced.
State officials say the Brookhaven, Levittown, and Holbrook fire districts also asked volunteer firefighter applicants about their national origin, religion and other protected areas during the application process.
"When we think about these public officials, there's a certain entrustment that the community has,” said Grier-Key. “And if that is removed there's going to be a reluctance of calling these services."
Community members hope the changes are enough to rebuild public trust.
"But unless I actually see active change in the coming months, I don't trust them,” said Mills.
All the departments also have to participate in training on the state's Human Rights Law.
News 12 reached out to the three departments for a comment about the settlement and have yet to hear back.
