A former West Covina fire chief who sued the city for wrongful termination was awarded $4.1 million Friday, May 5, by a Los Angeles County jury.
Larry Whithorn, a nearly 30-year veteran of the West Covina Fire Department, argued he was fired in April 2019 due to age discrimination and retaliation for reporting a hostile work environment caused by a city councilmember who “was harassing him, disparaging his name, verbally assaulting him and campaigning to get rid of him,” according to the suit.
Whithorn was represented by attorneys Anna Ovelsky, John David and Anthony Nyugen.
“Mr. Whithorn is feeling vindicated,” Ovelsky said following the verdict. “The way in which they treated him was simply egregious misconduct and, thankfully, he was able to share his story with a jury of his peers, and they understood that he was credible and that he truly did suffer emotional and economical damages. And fortunately, they awarded him accordingly for that suffering.”
Whithorn’s termination “derailed his career” and his family life, Ovelsky said.
“Thankfully, today, we see a little piece of justice,” she said.
In a statement, West Covina City Attorney Thomas Duarte indicated the court battle may not yet be over.
“We respect the judicial process and the jury’s role in it, but we also respectfully disagree with the verdict that was reached,” Duarte stated. “We intend to file post-trial motions to address certain issues with the court and will appeal this matter if necessary.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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