A fire captain is set to receive a $450,000 settlement after suing the city and a former fire chief for discrimination.
City Attorney Barbara Parker is recommending City Council approve the sum at its June 5 meeting, according to city documents.
Capt. Joseph Torres filed suit in November 2015, alleging Chief Teresa Deloach Reed refused to promote him to battalion chief, even though he qualified for the rank. Torres alleged it was because he is Hispanic and Native American and promotions were offered to African-American and white firefighters.
Torres, who has about 25 years with Oakland fire, passed the battalion chief test in 2012, one of four candidates vying for two positions. But he did not get either job. One member of the interview panel, former Deputy Chief Emon Usher, said in a court declaration he told the chief Torres was the best candidate.