The State - News from July 12, 1987

A former firefighter has filed an $11-million federal civil rights lawsuit against the San Francisco Fire Department and several of its members, alleging anti-Semitic harassment. The suit filed in U.S. District Court on behalf of Arnold F. Diem, 40, of Sausalito, said firefighters posted swastikas, tributes to former Nazi Dr. Joseph Mengele and photographs of Holocaust victims. The material was posted on Diem’s locker door and in public places. Diem also claims that he received written and verbal threats, was attacked while asleep, threatened with broken bottles and told “accidents could happen while on duty.” Diem filed a claim against the city that was rejected in January. Fire Chief Edward Phipps said department officials found no proof of the accusations after questioning several members of the department, including other firefighters who are Jewish.