By Bobby Kerlik
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Copyright 2007 Tribune Review Publishing Company
All Rights Reserved
PITTSBURGH, Penn. — An assistant chief in Pittsburgh’s emergency medical services bureau sued his employer Friday over allegations of racism.
John Moon, 58, of Brighton Heights, who has worked in the EMS bureau since 1975, claims he was passed over for promotions in the department in favor of a white colleague who had less management experience, according to the lawsuit filed in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court. Moon is black.
Pittsburgh EMS Chief Robert McCaughan said he was not aware of the lawsuit, and referred calls to the city solicitor’s office, which did not return a call for comment.
According to the lawsuit, Moon was passed over for the position of deputy chief, the second in command, in favor of Mark Bocian in 2004.
It was the second time Bocian, who is white, was picked for a job over Moon, even though Moon had supervised Bocian for 15 years, the lawsuit claims.
"(Moon) was the most qualified and most experienced both times,” Moon’s attorney, Paul Kay said. “He was the clear choice. We’re not looking for a handout; he’s the most experienced guy.”
Bocian was hired over Moon for the position of assistant chief, the position directly above Moon when he was a division chief in 2003. After Moon complained to the city Labor Relations Board, he was elevated to co-assistant chief.
Moon also alleges in his suit that McCaughan kept a private “poor performance log” of Moon’s work to be used against Moon.
City records show Moon makes $74,963 annually.
Moon did not return a call for comment.