Jacksonville Issues Handled by Chief, Mayor, Union, Not Jury

State Attorney Harry Shorstein announced Monday that he would not ask a Duval County grand jury to look into allegations of racism and discrimination within the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

After nooses were found on equipment belonging to two black firefighters in February, Mayor John Peyton ordered the Human Rights Commission to look into problems at JFRD.

After conducting their investigation, the commission revealed racism and sexism in the department and called for removal of the fire chief and three top aides.

Shorstein said that after talking to the fire chief, the mayor and the fire union, he was satisfied that the problems are being properly addressed.

"My recommendation would be that the grand jury not conduct an investigation at this time," Shorstein said. "The primary reasons are twofold. One would be the response I got from those who I think are responsible to see that the issues are addressed appropriately. Two is that the internal working group, which seems to be appropriately constituted, should be given the opportunity to address any issue that either the Civil Rights Commission or the public or the fire department need to see addressed."

Shorstein also said he would be watching to see what results the committee, put together by the mayor, would produce.

Peyton issued a statement saying he was gratified by Shorstein's decision.

"The state attorney understands we are working hard to make real and necessary progress in the fire department," Peyton said. "There are dedicated people working to make meaningful, sustainable change in the department, and I am confident that we are making progress."

A spokesman for the Jacksonville Black Firefighters Association told Channel 4's Jim Piggott they were surprised to hear the grand jury would not take up the noose incidents, adding, "It looks like government wins again."

While the state grand jury will not investigate the fire department, a federal grand jury has been looking into alleged incidents of intimidation and discrimination at JFRD.

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