EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION: Monterey Park Fire Chief Sues City for Discrimination

April 21, 2011

Monterey Park - The first female fire chief in Monterey Park has recently filed a lawsuit against the city alleging that she was forced out of her post in retaliation for being gay, reports said.

In her lawsuit, Cathleen Orchard claims that the City Council and the firefighter’s union conspired to undermine her authority and discriminate her because of her gender and sexual preference.

Orchard claims that the discrimination caused her to suffer from chest pains brought by emotional distress. She was not able to work since June because of her medical condition.

The lawsuit does not indicate the amount that Orchard is seeking as damages.