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Denver Fire Department sued by former captain on gender discrimination allegations

Former captain says gender bias ended her career
Posted at 1:42 AM, Jul 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-22 03:42:08-04

DENVER -- A former Denver fire captain is suing the city with allegations of gender discrimination.

In her federal lawsuit, Colley Fisher said she worked for the Denver Fire Department for 23 years. During her tenure, she said she became one of the department’s first female engineers before eventually being promoted to captain.

But Fisher’s lawsuit claims gender discrimination ended her long career with the Denver Fire Department in June of 2015.

The litigation describes the Denver Fire Department as “an extremely male dominated culture” where “even women who succeed … are held to a higher standard than their male counterparts.” Fisher’s lawsuit states she tried to complain to supervisors and was terminated as a result.

Fisher’s lawsuit also claims she was ordered to participate in an “unauthorized training exercise” that left her severely injured causing chronic pain and permanent limitations.

Fisher and her attorneys declined interview requests about the lawsuit, which was filed last week and obtained by Denver7 Investigates several days ago. 

City officials also declined to comment on the pending litigation and they have not yet filed a response in court.

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Ryan Luby

Ryan Luby is an award-winning investigative reporter for Denver7 Investigates. Connect with Ryan on Facebook, on Twitter, or by email to Ryan@TheDenverChannel.com. If you have a story idea or a tip for our investigative team, email Denver7 Investigates or call our tip line at (303) 832-0285. You can remain anonymous.