Fireworks!

Fireworks!
Local Shows

°

Homepage / Detroit Local News
Text Size

EMT Files Whistle-Blower Lawsuit Against City

A Detroit paramedic believes he was fired for what he told authorities about the alleged Manoogian Mansion party.

Doug Bayer is the latest city worker to have filed a whistle-blower lawsuit against the city of Detroit.

He filed the suit Wednesday and he shared his story exclusively with Local 4.

Bayer worked for the city for eight years. In that time, he won numerous awards for his life-saving services to the community.

However, despite his seemingly good overall work performance, Bayer claims he was fired for what the Fire Department called an immoral act. Bayer insisted he did nothing wrong.

According to internal documents, Bayer removed some equipment from an ambulance without authorization. But he denied the allegation and believes the firing was unjust.

“I took a piece of equipment and returned it to the rightful owner. I returned (some cable) to the hospital. It didn't belong to the Fire Department,” said Bayer.

Local 4 talked to union representatives who said it’s unusual to let someone go because of a mix-up with a piece of equipment. Moreover, Bayer was never charged with theft. Union officials said that means the city didn’t have grounds to fire him.

Bayer believes he knows the real reason he was fired. He maintains the city wanted to get rid of him for what he told state police he saw back in 2002.

Bayer said he kept quiet for years because he was too scared, but in the wake of his firing he was compelled to talk. He also believes filing the suit and sharing his story may provide some security.

“Coming forward is a good way to keep my face out there. I'm a lot safer than with my face hidden behind a shade,” said Bayer.

On a fall night six years ago, the former EMT said he was rushing a patient to Detroit Receiving Hospital when he was stopped in his tracks.

“It became apparent it was the mayor's executive protection unit—they did not allow me access to the hospital,” said Bayer. “I said, ‘I got to get in here.’ They said, ‘No you don't, not right now.’ I … asked a fellow co-worker, ‘What's going on?’ They said, ‘Carlita Kilpatrick just beat down some b**** .’ I said ‘Who?’ One of my fellow co-workers said ‘You don't know who the mayor's wife is?’ I said, ‘Sorry, I don't follow politics.’ They said, ‘Sit back and watch the show!’

Bayer said soon the hospital became bustling, but not with the usual activity.

“I saw a large crowd in the foyer of Detroit Receiving Hospital, a lot of hustling of people into private rooms. A couple of other SUVs pull up, black dark windows, and they go into the hospital, and told us to keep the driveway clear,” said Bayer.

Bayer said he realized he was privy to sensitive information when state police interviewed him as part of an investigation into the alleged Manoogian Mansion party.

He said not long after he talked to investigators, he was targeted by city fire officials.

Bayer feels he was “harassed, (and) arbitrarily suspended. Upon getting a suspension I was told by a deputy fire commissioner, 'That will teach you to keep your mouth shut,’” said Bayer.

Bayer's convinced there was a wild party at the mayor’s residence; additionally, he believes there has been an ongoing cover-up attempt in the aftermath of that party.

“I have no doubt now. They’re making it painstakingly clear — keep your mouth shut,” said Bayer.

Norman Yatooma is representing Bayer in his whistle-blower lawsuit. He’s the same attorney representing the family of Tamara Greene, an exotic dancer who some people speculate performed at the party and was assaulted by the mayor’s wife, Carlita Kilpatrick.

Of course, those are just rumors, part of the larger mansion party rumors that have never been substantiated.

What is fact is that Greene was shot and killed later that fall. Her family filed suit against the city charging police did not thoroughly investigate her killing.

“Of course, when (the Greene family’s) case starts gaining some ground and Doug becomes a relevant witness and starts speaking about thing truthfully, honestly, he is required to pay for it,” said Yatooma.

A section of Bayer’s whistleblower lawsuit reads, “The city intended to make an example out of Bayer in order to dissuade others from coming forward with information relevant to either the Manoogian Mansion party or Tamara Greene’s homicide.”

Bayer said he prays every day that other people with information will come forward.

“You shine some light and some people say, ‘Well, if he’s brave enough, it’s not that bad.'"

Mayor's office spokeswoman Denise Tolliver issued this statement is response to the lawsuit: "This is clearly an attempt by Yatooma to find anyone who has been fired from the city to file a lawsuit. When his one witness, a lady who claimed her psychiatrist told her to come forward, was found not to be credible, he then went looking for another source. In this case, Mr. Bayer."

The witness the city is referring to is Joyce Rogers, a former Detroit police clerk who said in a sworn affidavit that she saw a police report filed by Greene, claiming she was assaulted by Carlita Kilpatrick at the alleged Manoogian Mansion party.

Rogers said she tried calling Crime Stoppers with the information, but she was ignored.

Tell us what you think about this story. ClickOn SoundOff: EMT Whistle-Blower Lawsuit
Text Size

Hot Topics

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Learn the top five signs of common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. More

Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

It is important to make sure your will is sorted out in the best way possible for you and your family. Here are ten things to consider when writing a will. More

Looking for a qualified service professional to help you with your next project? Follow these ten steps and get the job done right. More

Hot Shots!

Hot Shots: Michigan Adventures 2007 - Image From Dale Niesen
Do you love fireworks as much as Local 4? If so, share your fireworks Hot Shots. More

Hot Shots: 2008 Fireworks
2009 Fireworks

Hot Shots: Wild Weather - Image From Cheryl Kleist
Have a great picture of a rainbow? Share your Hot Shots with Local 4!
  • UPLOAD: Submit Your Hot Shot
  • SLIDESHOW: Hot Shots: Rainbow Connection



    Sponsored Links

    On Local 4

    Why are so many teens around metro Detroit getting sexually transmitted diseases? Wait until you see what Local 4 Investigator Kevin Dietz found out.

    Watch "Ellen" weekdays at 10 a.m. on Local 4 to find out how you could win tickets to a preview of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and a great grand prize package! More


    Vote 4 The Best
    Vote 4 The Best 2009: It's time to VOTE for your favorites from burgers to pizza, pet supplies to hair salons and much more. Let your voice be heard! Plus, look for our all new Summer Recreation categories with golf courses, pools, parks and more. More


    Keep up with the latest tweets from the Local 4 Newsroom. More


    Morning Home Delivery From Click On Detroit and Local 4 News

    Most Popular

    Question Of The Day

    What are your plans for the fourth of July holiday weekend?