Judge Rules BWI Deputy Fire Chief Fired Because Of Race

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Fired because of his race. A judge rules a deputy chief with the BWI Fire Department should get his job back, saying the only reason he was fired is because he's African-American.

Meghan McCorkell spoke with the chief about the impact the decision could have.

Deputy Chief Gregory Lawrence was the first African-American to serve as acting chief of the BWI Fire Department--until he was fired in March.

For seven years, Gregory Lawrence served on the BWI Fire Department.

"I just do my job. I'm a professional," said Dep. Chief Lawrence.

But when he started voicing concern about the department's lack of diversity, he says he was fired.

"In the position of management, chief officers, division chief, captains, there's never been an African-American promoted," said Lawrence.

Now a judge has reversed Lawrence's termination, calling the department a racially inhospitable environment, saying: "I conclude that the employee would not have been terminated if he were not African-American."

In court papers obtained by WJZ, Lawrence details inappropriate, disrespectful and unprofessional conduct of firefighters below him.

"I had individuals who would get up in front of the fire chief and say they would not work with me," Lawrence said.

In one incident, someone filled his firefighting boots with water. No one was punished.

Officials at BWI say they are reviewing the lengthy ruling and considering an appeal. In a statement to WJZ, an airport spokesman says: "BWI Marshall Airport remains fully committed to fair and equal employment opportunities."

Carl Snowden, head of the Caucus of African American Leaders, says the chief's case is just the tip of the iceberg.

"This will be the first of a series of actions by state employees all over the state demanding that the systemic racism ends," Snowden said.

Deputy Chief Lawrence says he needed to take a stand to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else.

"This should not be happening in 2014," he said.

The judge has given the state 30 days to appeal the ruling.

A community rally will be held Monday night in Annapolis to support Chief Lawrence and others who've been victims of discrimination.

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