City of Phoenix settles $70,000 sexual harassment suit

PHOENIX - The City of Phoenix has settled a sexual harassment suit at the Phoenix Fire Department, but that's just the beginning of the controversy.

The settlement was for $70,000 to Julie Simpson who claims she was harassed for years.

But just as the agreement was being made, a group of female Phoenix firefighters testified to the City Council that there is not a widespread sexual harassment problem.

Sheila Calucci, a firefighter for 20 years, wrote a letter that was signed by several other female firefighters that backs the department as a good place for women to work. "I don't want the public to think there is a problem. It's offensive," she said.

During the City Council meeting, Councilman Sal DiCiccio agreed to the settlement, but believes the investigation was poorly handled and worries there may be a culture of sexual harassment at the fire department.

Officials told ABC15 there will be an investigation to make sure the female firefighters who signed the letter were not forced to do it.