Delco Police Chief Claims Firing Was Race Related, Sues Borough

YEADON, PA — A recently terminated police chief in Delaware County is suing the municipality he served, claiming his firing was due to his race.

Former Yeadon Borough Police Chief Anthony Paparo was fired in mid-February after the Yeadon Borough Council voted 4-3 in favor of his termination.

Paparo, who is white, has now filed a civil rights lawsuit that alleges the decision was based on his race.

The suit is targeting Council President Sharon Council-Harris, Vice President Learin Johnson, President Pro Tempore Tomeka Jones-Waters, and Councilwoman Carlette Brooks, as well as the borough itself.

The suit alleges the four council members deemed Yeadon "a black town," and thus would fire Paparo and replace him with a black person to serve as chief.

Johnson is accused in the suit of telling Mayor Rohan Hepkins and two others she planned to fire Paparo and bring in a black chief.

Additionally, the suit says Johnson offered Detective Freddie Ingram, who is black, the chief position. Ingram declined the offer and affirmed his support for Paparo, the suit says.

Paparo was allegedly given an ultimatum: either resign with three months salary or be fired.

Borough officials said Paparo's termination stemmed from a grievance over Paparo's decision to hire more part-time officers that violated the union's contract. The borough had to pay $387,000 to settle the grievance, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The suit is seeking to reinstate Paparo as chief, as well as award him back pay and damages to be paid by the borough and the council members.