Fire captain suspended on sex claim

AARON LEO ConnPost Article Last Updated: 08/22/2008 12:58:02 AM EDT

BRIDGEPORT — A recently promoted Fire Department captain was suspended for a day for allegedly sexually harassing a female colleague.

Capt. Allen Jones, promoted in March, also had his probation period for his new rank extended six months, said Fire Chief Brian Rooney. He also took and passed a sensitivity class in the aftermath of the incident.

Details of the incident emerged at Wednesday's meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners.

Robert Whitbread, president of the Bridgeport Fire Fighters Union Local 834, came before the board to tell them Jones has decided to bypass the panel and appeal his discipline to the state Labor Board.

But the fire board insisted on hearing the details, which Rooney disclosed.

Jones came to work while he was off-duty and told the female firefighter "how she's got a big ego and her ego is really noticeable," in addition to making several sexist remarks, Rooney said.

She later filed a complaint.

Rooney said all newly promoted captains are on six months probation in their new rank, and are reviewed every month during that time. Because of the incident, the chief said he decided to extend Jones' probation in addition to the suspension.

Rooney added that Jones, in violation of orders, had delayed in taking the sensitivity class.

But Whitbread defended Jones, a veteran firefighter.

"Not all the information was given to the board," he said.

He also opposed public discussion of the details of the incident.