Crime & Justice
Black firefighter sues New Jersey town over racist harassment allegations
Patrick Thomas, a Black firefighter, accuses the Bloomfield Fire Department, township leaders, the fire chief and colleague W. Coffey.
A New Jersey firefighter has filed a federal lawsuit against Bloomfield officials, alleging racist harassment went unpunished, reports NJ.com.
P. Thomas, a Black firefighter, accuses the Bloomfield Fire Department, township leaders, the fire chief and colleague W. Coffey.
The lawsuit claims repeated racist acts created a hostile workplace environment that supervisors failed to address.
Basis of the Lawsuit: November 2023 Incidents
The complaint centers on interactions between Coffey and Thomas in November 2023.
On Nov. 8, Coffey allegedly asked Thomas if he saw a noose on an upstairs firehouse table.
Thomas questioned why he would want to see that and asked who was responsible.
Coffey allegedly smirked and replied he did not know, according to the complaint.
On Nov. 16, Coffey allegedly tied a hangman’s noose, tossed it at Thomas, and asked him to identify the knot.
Thomas responded he knew exactly what it was and asked Coffey if he thought it was funny.
Coffey continued laughing, attorneys said, in front of other firefighters and supervisors.
Allegations of Racial Slurs
The complaint also accuses Coffey of openly using the n‑word around Black colleagues.
Attorneys allege Coffey faced no discipline for repeated racist language.
Thomas’ attorney, Michael Ashley, told the outlet that accountability is essential: “Anyone who failed to act must be held accountable.”
Criminal Charges and Internal Investigation
Bloomfield officials reported Coffey’s actions to law enforcement in November 2023, NJ.com reports.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office charged Coffey with fourth‑degree harassment and intimidation on Dec. 14, 2023.
A grand jury indicted Coffey in March 2024, and he pleaded not guilty before entering a pre‑trial intervention program.
Coffey has remained on unpaid leave since November 2023.
Township Response
Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell issued a statement on Nov. 18, 2025.
“The township of Bloomfield takes seriously its responsibility to ensure a safe and respectful workplace for all employees,” she said.
“There is absolutely no place for racist conduct or discrimination of any kind in the township or in any workplace in our community, and such behavior will be met with swift accountability.”
Mundell added Coffey’s harassment was immediately reported to law enforcement in November 2023.
She said Bloomfield moved to terminate Coffey’s employment, which remains pending.
Coffey has not returned to work since November 2023.
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