McAlester firefighter sues city over firing

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- A former McAlester firefighter files a federal lawsuit against the city.<br/><br/>Steven Belcher alleges he was passed over for a promotion and then fired after complaining to

Tuesday, July 19th 2005, 6:34 am

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- A former McAlester firefighter files a federal lawsuit against the city.

Steven Belcher alleges he was passed over for a promotion and then fired after complaining to the city council about a cross on the city seal.

He says he felt it was unconstitutional for the city to maintain a religious symbol in the form of a cross on its official seal.

Belcher's lawsuit also names the city council, former City Manager Randy Green and Fire Chief Earl Joe Benson as defendants.

He is seeking more than $250,000 in damages and more than $250,000 in punitive damages from Green and Benson.

He also is seeking damages for mental anguish, attorney fees and costs, and interest.