City to review Boston Fire Department's handling of harassment allegations

BOSTON — The Mayor has hired a law firm to review Boston Fire Department's handling of harassment allegations by women on the force.

"Everyone should feel safe going to work," Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement on Sunday. Walsh found out about the allegations after being informed by a Boston Globe reporter.

In interviews with the Globe, the women described a pattern of harassment, discrimination and sexism while on the job.

According to the Globe, the women, one a former liaison for the women in the department and two retired firefighters, said they often didn't report such problems because they didn't think the administration would believe them.

They also feared being treated as if they did something wrong - or that they just couldn't handle their job.

Walsh has reached out to attorney Kay Hodge to review the allegations, including how the department handled an alleged assault at a Jamaica Plain firehouse earlier this year.

In that case, a female firefighter said an on-duty male colleague exposed himself, grabbed her by the head, and pushed her face toward his crotch.

Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn said the department will closely monitor the case and take appropriate action if and when necessary.

Cox Media Group