EMTs Sue Bay Shore-Brightwaters Ambulance For Sexual Harassment

BAY SHORE, NY - Two EMTs for the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance recently filed a lawsuit against the organization for discrimination and sexual harassment after a "sexually derogatory and explicit" gingerbread house was presented at a 2015 holiday party, according to court documents.

The lawsuit was filed with the Eastern District of New York court by EMTs Raymis Ruiz, 21, and John Messing, 41.

According to the 2015 lawsuit, the gingerbread house had gummy bears placed in "sexual positions," the words “Ho, Ho, Ho” directed toward them, hand-drawn pictures of a hand giving the middle finger and other profanities. It was made by a member and placed in a common area.

Ruiz saw the display and took photos but did not file a complaint for fear of retaliation.

The display was taken down after several civilians saw it and expressed concerns. However, no action was taken against the person who made the display.

In addition, Ruiz claims she was subjected to sexual harassment, sexual rumors, bullying unwanted sexual comments, remarks and behavior by another member, according to the lawsuit.

Messing, who was Ruiz's captain, attempted to help her to complain about the harassment to superiors but was told to "mind his business," the court documents allege.

According to the lawsuit, Messing was fired for reporting sexual harassment and for supporting Ruiz.

The Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance have not yet released a comment on the lawsuit.