SAN DIEGO --
A San Diego firefighter testified Tuesday that he felt "used" and "angry" after being ordered to participate in last year's gay pride parade in Hillcrest.
Firefighter Alex Kane said he and three other firefighters -- Capt. John Ghiotto, Jason Hewitt and Chad Allison -- were given a direct order to ride in the parade on July 21, 2007, after another crew backed out. The firefighters sued the city of San Diego, seeking unspecified damages and reimbursement for therapy and legal costs.
They alleged the were called names and subjected to harassment during the event.
"I felt used. I felt angry," Kane testified.
He said when he mentioned his concerns to an assistant chief, the chief told him he was blowing things out of proportion. He also said a counselor said she had heard the complaining firefighters were "homophobic."
Kane said when they met with union officials, they were told to be team players.
"I felt violated. I felt like I had a complaint," Kane testified.
He also said when the four firefighters met with Jarman and two other assistant chiefs, they were called hypocrites.
"It's affected my whole life. It's affected my family life," Kane testified.
In his opening statement, San Diego City Attorney Michael Aguirre said Mayor Jerry Sanders, City Council members, the district attorney and chief of police participated "happily and proudly" in the same parade.
As a result of the incident, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and San Diego Firefighters Local 145 announced they will no longer require on-duty crews to drive parade routes.
Previous Stories:
- September 16, 2008: Aguirre Defends City In Firefighter Harassment Case
- September 15, 2008: Firefighters' Suit Over Gay Pride Parade Goes To Court
- August 13, 2007: Firefighters: Threats Made Over Gay Parade Complaints
- August 10, 2007: Fire Dept. Revises Policy After Gay Pride Complaints
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