Suit Alleges Baltimore Fire Department Racial Bias

BALTIMORE (AP) — A deputy Baltimore fire chief has sued the department, saying he’s been passed over for promotions because of racial discrimination.

Lloyd Carter, who heads the department’s recruitment efforts, is seeking $3 million in damages.

The suit alleges that Carter, who is black, has missed out on promotions and has been investigated internally because of his race.

City officials said they could not comment on the suit because they had not seen it as of mid-day Friday.

Carter previously oversaw the city’s fire academy. He was given a new position last summer after an academy instructor passed test questions along to students.

Department management said at the time that the transfer wasn’t made because of the scandal but that other problems with the academy had become apparent during an investigation.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)