former Deputy Fire Chief wins racial discrimination lawsuit

former Deputy Fire Chief wins racial discrimination lawsuit

Ken Riddle of Las Vegas, a former Deputy Fire Chief wins racial discrimination lawsuit and has been awarded nearly $400,000  in compensatory and punitive damages.

Riddle, worked for 28 years at Las Vegas Fire & Rescue as a Deputy Fire Chief.

Most online searches state that he retired but based on the filing of the lawsuit, he was actually fired.

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In what is commonly referred to as  “reverse discrimination”, Riddle was fired by his Supervisor, David Washington, who was the Fire Chief.

Washington is Black and Riddle is white.

The court had initially ruled in favor of Washington and the decision was appealed.

Since the case was in federal court –United States District Court – District of Nevada, appeals are brought before the  Ninth Court of Appeals.

Washington, now retired, allegedly on numerous occassions told Riddle and others , “It’s not that I’m anti white, I’m pro black.”

Washington also allegedly hand-picked who would be his successor when he retired and promoted that person to Riddle’s spot after he was fired. The hand picked successor was a black man who some allege had previously been promoted to areas that he knew nothing about.

Riddle won his lawsuit of $365,000 in compensatory damages and $25,0000 in punitive damages.

Mary Chapman, Riddle’s attorney notes that the federal law only allows punitive damages if malice is shown, according to 8 News now.

Riddle’s various online profiles shows that he has spent over 36 years in public service.

In the late 1970’s, he  spent 4 years working as a Paramedic with Mercy Ambulance.

For the next 28 years he was with Las Vegas Fire and Rescue .

Shortly after his separation he joined the Nevada Fire Chiefs Association, a non-profit member driven organization as Executive Director where he is currently employed.

In addition to the above, Riddle is credited with initiating several programs, including an ambulance transport program and an in-house medical exam program that are still in place today.

He also serves as a Senior Consultant with  The Abaris Group working on a variety of fire and EMS projects.

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• Former Deputy Fire Chief Wins Racial Discrimination Suit

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