Created: 3/1/2006 9:03:50 PM 
By First Coast News Staff
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A race discrimination lawsuit pitting several Jacksonville firefighters against the city has come to an end in federal court last Friday.
The jury sided with the firefighters. Four lieutenants claimed their promotion to Captain was blocked by then Fire Chief Ray Alfred.
The firemen claimed race was a factor. The firefighters are white, the fire chief, black.
Fire Chief Ray Alfred in testimony told the jury that race had nothing to do with it. Alfred also denied that "cultural diversity" had any influence on his decision.
Former Mayor John Delaney was also called to testify. Delaney told the jury that Alfred was one of his best hires and that the fire chief did not make decisions based on race.
The eight member jury heard closing arguments Thursday night. They didn't reach their decision until nearly 24 hours later.
As part of the verdict, the lieutenants will receive back pay as if they had been promoted to Captain. The amount to be divided among them is in excess of $220,000 before legal fees.
In the coming days the court will also rule whether the men must be promoted to the rank of Captain.
From the time the original suit was brought against the City, one of the four lieutenants has died. His widow was named as the fourth plaintiff and will be entitled to his share of the back pay.
On Monday, Jacksonville Fire Chief Ray Alfred responded to the jury decision in a noon press conference. Listen to the audio clip above.
Related article:
Jacksonville Firefighters Win Discrimination Lawsuit ©2009 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
