news-record.com

A High Point deputy fire chief has filed a grievance against the city manager, saying she was denied the fire chief’s job because of her gender.

Deputy Chief Martha Younts and her attorney, Ashley Duncan of Charlotte, spoke at the High Point City Council meeting Monday night.

Younts claims that Manager Strib Boynton promised her the fire chief position on a number of occasions but then denied her the position based on her gender.

In a released statement at the council meeting, Boynton denied promising Younts the position and denied discriminating against her.

Boynton said the search for a new fire chief will start later in the year and will take six to nine months. He said he temporarily promoted another battalion chief based on his experience and the best way to manage the fire department after recent Occupational Safety and Health Administration citations.

Citations included worn turnout gear, missing procedures and training, and improperly fitted respirators. Most of those issues have been addressed.

The city paid $57,000 in fines.