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A former firefighter is suing Los Angeles County, claiming he was discriminated against because of his disability and endured homophobic harassment from co-workers at work.
A civil lawsuit filed Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court lists a series of events over a six-year period that Guilherme Guimarães alleges violated his rights under the Fair Employment and Housing Act.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department said it does not comment on pending litigation.
In 2017, Guimarães developed aplastic anemia due to exposure to toxic fumes and benzene at work and was forced to take 20 months of medical leave, according to the lawsuit.
Guimarães returned to work at Marina del Rey, but reportedly faced challenges with the necessary facilities, including having a service dog and the need for a well-ventilated workplace. According to the complaint, new employee Eric Burnett joined the department in February 2021 and allegedly began making homophobic comments around co-workers, including Guimarães.
Even though Guimarães is straight, Barnett’s comments “touched a personal chord,” the suit says. [him]He has a homosexual relative who makes him feel particularly uncomfortable and unwelcome within the station. ”
Despite complaints about Barnett’s alleged harassment, Guimarães’ lawsuit alleges that Barnett received no disciplinary action and the conflict between the two continued to escalate. The following month, Barnett allegedly retaliated against Guimarães by tearing up the child’s photo in his locker, calling him a “rat” around the station and questioning the legitimacy of Guimarães’ medical disability. .
Guimarães was originally stationed in Marina del Rey, but was temporarily reassigned to North Hollywood and then Agoura Hills Fire Department in 2022. The lawsuit alleges that the department’s captains transferred Guimarães in retaliation for Barnett’s homophobic comments.
When Guimarães returned to the Marina del Rey fire station, Barnett also returned and was harassed, the lawsuit alleges. In May 2024, Guimarães claimed he found a dildo with a strap-on in his locker, but no corrective action was taken and he was forced to continue working shifts with Barnett.
Guimarães was transported back to the Chatsworth fire station in September, where he discovered a toy rat while packing his belongings, according to the complaint. The lawsuit alleges that the stress of the alleged incident and lack of proper accountability forced Mr. Guimarães to take a stress-based leave of absence.
Guimarães is seeking more than $25,000 in lost overtime pay and damages to his professional career and reputation that affect his income and retirement benefits, according to the lawsuit.
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