http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-nor.agreement6feb22,0,555623.story?coll=stam-news-local-headlines
By John Nickerson
Staff Writer
February 22, 2007
NORWALK - The firefighter who sparked an investigation into alleged racism within the Norwalk Fire Department will receive $40,800 in lost pay in exchange for dropping a discrimination suit against the city under an agreement released yesterday.
The agreement signed by 27-year veteran firefighter Scot Wilson, who is black, and the city earlier this month also provides $10,000 for Wilson's legal fees and pays him for all but two weeks until his 48th birthday in June, when he becomes eligible to collect his pension.
Wilson caused a furor in November when he released a video that appeared to show a firefighter in the Broad River firehouse using two racial slurs to describe blacks and Hispanics during a conversation in 2005.
The tape was used as evidence in Wilson's discrimination complaint against the city to the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. According to the six-page agreement, Wilson will withdraw the CHRO complaint and give up any future claims against the city.
Wilson had been facing termination as a result of repeatedly showing up for work under the influence of alcohol.
Wilson said his drinking was caused by hostile conditions at work.
As a result of a September alcohol offense, the agreement states he will be docked two weeks' pay and the city will suspend all current or future disciplinary proceedings against him.
On July 11, 2005, Wilson was sent home after he admitted he had been drinking before work.
According to the department discipline log, Wilson tested positive for alcohol during a test by a doctor April 5, 2005, and was sent home.
On Jan. 21, 2005, he was issued a verbal warning about not drinking beer before work, the log shows.
Wilson underwent treatment for alcohol abuse in 2005 and returned to firefighting before being suspended for the September incident.
The sum of $20,000, which was paid to Wilson when he signed the agreement Feb. 6, will cover all claims for wages or overtime.
On his 48th birthday on June 9, Wilson will officially retire and be paid another $20,800. That money will be calculated, for purposes of Wilson's pension, as earned wages for 26 weeks before June 9. That period will be considered administrative leave, the agreement states.
The city attorney's office released the agreement yesterday in response to a Freedom of Information request from The Advocate.
City attorney Peter Nolin had said the agreement might never be made public as a result of the confidentiality clauses in the document.
"The existence of this agreement will not be discussed, explained or mentioned to any media personnel," the agreement states.
When the agreement was signed by the city Board of Fire Commissioners, Mayor Richard Moccia said he believed it was fair.
Moccia is one of three members of the commission.
Commissioner Carol Andreoli said the agreement will allow the department to move forward.
"We need to get this behind us and move on with our jobs of putting fires out," Fire Union President Michael Foley said yesterday.
Copyright © 2007, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.