An outside counsel has been hired to investigate how Boston Fire has been handling claims of sexual harassment and discrimination by women in the department.
Mayor Marty Walsh told the Boston Globe Sunday that attorney Kay Hodge, a partner at Stoneman, Chandler & Miller LLP, will be conducting the independent review.
The review comes after six current and former department employees spoke to the Globe about what they call a pattern of harassment, discrimination, and sexism.
The review will also look at how the department handled an alleged assault at a Jamaica Plain firehouse in January.
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office confirmed that 37-year-old David Sanchez of the city's Hyde Park neighborhood was arraigned on April 18 on charges of assault and battery and indecent assault and battery on charges.
Sanchez, a firefighter, is accused of attacking a woman on Jan. 14 at the Centre Street firehouse. It’s unclear what led to the three-month lag time between the alleged incident and Sanchez's arraignment.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was ordered to stay away from the firehouse and the woman.
U.S. & World
Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn issued a statement to NBC10 Boston Monday regarding the allegations from female firefighters.
"It is my priority as Commissioner of the Boston Fire Department that we have a safe and supportive workplace. I look forward to working with Attorney Hodge and I am fully committed to ensuring that every member of the Department has the support they need," Finn said in the statement.
