Concord settled a lawsuit brought by a former firefighter last year who said he faced years of homophobic sexual harassment – and pushback for speaking out against it.
Through its insurance, the city agreed to a settlement with Christopher Golomb totalling $450,000, payment divided among his claims for emotional damages, lost wages and attorney fees.
“The City denies the allegations of discrimination and retaliation, but agreed to resolve the litigation, without an admission of liability, to avoid the cost and disruption of prolonged litigation and to allow the members of the Fire Department to maintain its focus on serving members of the community,” City Solicitor Danielle Pacik said in a written statement. “The City of Concord prides itself in being an inclusive and diverse workplace for all, and it remains committed to upholding a safe and respectful environment.”
Golomb, contacted through his attorney, could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.
Golomb, a Concord firefighter since 2008, said in his lawsuit he was regularly mocked by both coworkers and supervisors for a perceived “failure to conform to male gender stereotypes.” Golomb said fellow firefighters would often describe him, his dating life and his appearance as “gay” and use homophobic language. Golomb is not gay, the suit noted.
He raised concerns about this treatment with both the department and with the city’s Human Resources staff, actions which increased tension in the department and drew ostracism and retaliation against him, his suit describes.
Golomb was told multiple times that the city or department would take steps to halt the treatment, including after an internal investigation found “inappropriate behavior which runs counter to its policy on non-discrimination and sexual harassment.” But to him, the city only “went through the motions” of addressing his concerns.
The treatment continued, as did increasing hostility between him and his coworkers. In 2023, Golomb felt he had no choice but to leave his job. He is currently a lieutenant in the Lee, New Hampshire, fire department.
In suing the city last year, Golomb claimed a sex-based hostile work environment, discrimination and retaliation. He did not petition the court for a specific amount of damages and lost wages.
The suit had been scheduled for a jury trial in federal court next year.
Fire Chief John Chisholm and Mayor Byron Champlin deferred comment to Pacik, the city solicitor.