By AP/KWMU
bridgeton, MO – The Justice Department is accusing a suburban St. Louis fire district of racial harassment.
The lawsuit from the federal government says the Pattonville-Bridgeton Fire District created a racially hostile work environment and drove out its only black firefighter.
Among the complaints is an accusation that a co-worker carved a racial slur into the black firefighter's car. The complaint also charges that white co-workers got different pay and benefits than the black firefighter.
Fire District Chief Steve Arnold said he could not comment on the lawsuit.