Bloomfield firefighter Patrick Thomas sues township, fire department, fire chief for racist environment

Bloomfield firefighter Patrick Thomas filed a $25 million lawsuit against the township, fire department, and Bloomfield Fire Chief Lou Venezia for creating a racist environment, according to the complaint. In December 2023, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office charged Bloomfield firefighter Walter Coffey with harassment with a purpose to intimidate after giving Thomas, a Back co-worker, a rope noose. Coffey also used racial slurs in front of co-workers and did not receive discipline or consequences, the complaint says. A grand jury indicted, or formally accused, Coffey in April 2024. Coffey was suspended without pay but is still employed by the Bloomfield fire department while his official termination is pending. Thomas’ request for workers compensation was denied despite multiple clinicians asserting his need for medical leave caused by emotional distress, the complaint states.

From Patch Bloomfield.