NAACP details concerns in New London

New London, Conn. (WTNH) - It was standing room only at a meeting Tuesday night in New London to discuss alleged racial discrimination in both the city's police department and fire department.

Folks packed in to hear the NAACP detail their concerns about the city. News 8 is told close to half of the city's residents are minorities, but not one black firefighter has been hired since 1978 and there's only one currently on the force.

"That's all I ever wanted to be, a firefighter," said Alfred Mayo. "I spent the last 11 years to get this position that I was in, I was devastated."

Mayo applied for the position and got within two days of graduating from the fire academy when he was suddenly dismissed. He claims he was singled out, reprimanded unfairly and accused of vandalism. And he believes it's because he's black.

"I hate to have to admit and talk about it like that," Mayo said. "It's a sad situation to have to admit, but I honestly do believe that."

It's not just the fire department either, the police department is also under scrutiny.

In January, a New London police officer is accused of planting drugs on a suspect. That man, Lance Good, was arrested and spent 56 days in jail, even though, he claims there's dash cam video that shows that he was framed.

The officer involved, Roger Newton, has since resigned, but it's a situation that doesn't sit well with folks in New London.

"People of all ages, all races, all colors are getting involved in this particular situation in order to help resolve it," said Debbie Phillips.

They are explosive allegations that will have to be dealt with for many to feel they're contributions are appreciated.

"On life's piano, we have to remember that the black keys are just as important as the white keys," said Rev. H. Eugene Montgomery, "and when we begin to play those keys symmetrically, they will blend beautifully and we will have a better city."

Nothing was decided Tuesday night, as it was just a public hearing, giving people a chance to let their opinions be heard.