JOKE ON TAXPAYERS IN DOG-FOOD PRANK.

Byline: JENNIFER SOLIS Local View

CONGRATULATIONS to Firefighter Tennie Pierce, the latest winner of the politically correct lottery. And a special thanks to Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, who didn't have the courage to fight Pierce's ridiculous claim.

Pierce, a 6-foot-5-inch star volleyball player for his Westchester fire station, liked to call himself ``the Big Dog.'' He continually chided his fellow players to ``feed the Big Dog,'' so he could spike the ball.

One of his fellow firemen jokingly took the comment literally and added some dog food to Pierce's spaghetti dinner two years ago. The two fire captains at the firehouse were also in on the prank.

Practical jokes such as this are a common and necessary form of diversion for those engaged in one of the most hazardous professions. The stress of such a job is a continuous strain on both emotions and physical health. Pranks add levity to daily and life and are a bonding exercise for those who must put their lives in the hands of their buddies.

Even though the fact that Pierce is African-American had nothing to do with the prank, a ``smart'' lawyer wasted no time in making a case for racial discrimination. City officials conducted the necessary investigation and suspended the two captains involved for a month without pay. That should have been the end of the story, but it wasn't.

In due time there was a claim, followed by a lawsuit, demanding millions for mental distress and misconduct. Of course, those who were actually responsible for the practical joke weren't sued. The deep pockets of the city of Los Angeles made a more attractive target.

Yet, rather than fight these bogus charges in court, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo opted for a settlement. Pierce would get an astonishing $2.7 million for eating a few bites of dog food.

That's $2.7 million of Los Angeles taxpayers' money that could have been used to purchase critical equipment to save the lives of firefighters who face real, truly dangerous situations in the course of their jobs. But, instead, the funds will be squandered in retribution for a harmless practical joke. And the precedent this settlement opens the door for more frivolous claims in the future.

When the city attorney's recommendation went before the Los Angeles City Council last Wednesday, only Councilman Dennis Zine had the courage to vote against what he called the ``absolutely ridiculous'' claim. Zine, a 33-year veteran of the city's police force, pointed out that the prank had not resulted in any physical or mental harm.

College fraternities engage in far worse hazing of their brothers all the time. Pierce himself was known as one of the most engaged jokesters at his fire station.

Pierce will retire next April as part of the settlement. Will there be the usual testimonial dinner, honoring a comrade for years of service?

Probably not. Instead, he will leave his honored profession in disgrace -- a betrayer of his fellow firefighters and a money-grubbing opportunist. The taxpayers of Los Angeles won't forget this egregious waste of funds next time the Los Angeles Fire Department needs equipment or a deserved pay raise. Well done, Tennie. I hope you enjoy your windfall.