Jewish fireman takes Melbourne Fire Department Battalion Chief to court for allegedly giving Nazi salute in photograph

A Jewish fireman has taken a Battalion Chief in the Melbourne Fire Department to court for allegedly giving a Nazi salute in a photograph.

Aaron Starkey filed the federal complaint against Chief Jody Kohler in late April. 

The prosecution showed a photograph appearing to show Chief Kohler dressed in a Melbourne Fire Department polo-shirt, while wearing what appears to be a false moustache and performing a pose synonymous with a Nazi salute.

The image was allegedly taken of Chief Kahler during work hours by another colleague.

Mr Starkey previously wrote to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding the photograph in question, stating: “I am Jewish and I found Kahler’s gesture extremely offensive. On or about November 21, 2022, I complained about this to my Union President, Ryan Young, and he said the union would file a grievance and take it to counsel. However, the union never did anything.”

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