Report finds problems at state fire academy

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A report by the Connecticut public safety commissioner's office has found problems at the state fire academy including procedural failures, inappropriate communications and possible false allegations of recruit misconduct.

The review examined a black New London firefighter recruit's experiences at the academy last year. The recruit, Alfred Mayo, was fired by New London officials who cited low test scores in December, three days before his expected graduation. He is accusing the city and the academy of racial discrimination.

The Day of New London reports the review also noted that a white male recruit in Mayo's class was caught cheating on a test but was allowed to graduate and was hired by his hometown fire department.

The state NAACP has scheduled a news conference on the report on Tuesday.