Favorable ruling for black firefighter in West Palm Beach discrimination case

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Palm Beach County Equal Employment board has ruled in favor of a black firefighter who accused West Palm Beach's fire department of race discrimination

According to the Palm Beach Post, The city has been ordered to pay Rick Curtis more than $56,000 in lost wages and $24,000 dollars in attorney fees.

Curtis will also be promoted to a battalion chief or assistant chief position when it becomes available, making him the department's highest-ranking African-American.

The city responded Tuesday morning.

"The city strongly denies any charges of discrimination against Mr.Curtis," West Palm Beach spokesman Chase Scott said in written release.

"The city was given inadequate notice of the hearing on the matter and did not participate in the hearing before the county board. The city will seek to have the matter reheard in a proper forum where it will have the opportunity to vigorously present it's opposition to Mr.Curtis' claim," Scott said.