Ex-CA Fire Chief Accused of Sexual Harassment

Feb. 6, 2019
Former Bakersfield Chief Douglas Greener faces a lawsuit filed by an accounting clerk who had previously worked at the fire department.

A former California fire chief faces a civil lawsuit by an accounting clerk that accuses him of sexual battery, harassment and discrimination.

According to the lawsuit by the woman, who is only identified as "Jane Doe," then-Bakersfield Fire Chief Douglas Greener allegedly would follow her around the office and bump against, placing his crotch against her buttocks, KGET-TV reports. Greener also is accused of brushing his against the woman's breats and claiming it was an accident.

The woman had been a city employee for 12 years before she was transferred to the fire department in 2013. After Greener's alleged harassment, the woman contacted the city's human resources department, which began investigation.

She then was moved to another city department, a change that caused so much stress that she lost 40 pounds and put on stress disability in May. Her doctor ultimately told her to quit, according to KGET.

Besides Greener, who retired in June after eight years as chief, the city and plaintiffs listed as "John Doe" also are named in the lawsuit.er to quit. Greener had not returned KGET's message seeking comment.