HARASSMENT BY LAFD FOCUS OF TESTIMONY.

Byline: RICK ORLOV Staff Writer

For nearly two hours, active and former city firefighters testified Tuesday about racism, sexism and retaliation in the Los Angeles Fire Department as the head of the civilian Fire Commission called for broad institutional reforms.

Firefighters described how a female recruit was trapped under a 180-pound ladder during a training exercise, urine was substituted in a minority firefighter's mouthwash, and those who complained suffered retaliation.

Retired Firefighter Donald Jones, a Medal of Valor winner, called the department "the most racist, hypocritical organization I have ever been involved with."

After hearing from a cross section of active and retired members during a meeting held at the African American Firefighter Museum, Fire Commission President Dalila Soto said she expects a slate of recommendations to be released this month to deal with the problems.

"I am hoping to see us come up with some institutional reforms that will resolve this problem once and for all," Soto said.

While several firefighters defended the department - saying many of the problems have been taken out of context and overblown - Chief William Bamattre agreed that change is needed.

"We are hearing about some things that shouldn't be tolerated," Bamattre said. "Part of it is the change we're seeing in the department.

"We are replacing two-thirds of the work force and there is a clash between the traditions of the department and new employees."

Complaints of sexism and racial issues within the LAFD date back decades, but a recent audit by Controller Laura Chick and articles in the Daily News revealed problems continuing for female, African-American and rookie firefighters.

Chick's audit also blamed weak leadership and a broken disciplinary system for encouraging rampant harassment and hazing that has contributed to low morale.

Pat McOsker, president of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, said he also believes changes need to be made.

"Unfortunately, what I'm seeing is that all we're seeing is increased discipline at the bottom level and not a serious change at the top," McOsker said.

Bamattre has agreed with the majority of the findings in Chick's audit and said some fixes, like improving the disciplinary system, require legislative changes that are out of his control.

Bamattre said he has been working on improving communication with his deputies and firefighters and that such efforts will continue.

And in February he said he would seek $500,000 to establish an internal affairs unit in an effort to overhaul the department's discipline system and end the widespread problems.

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com

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