Cranston Lt. files federal lawsuit

January 1, 2018 1:16 pm

Cranston Fire Lt. Scott Bergantino has filed a five count federal suit against the city of Cranston, the firefighter union and Deputy Chief Paul Valletta.

The suit stems from an incident that happened last year.

Bergantino says Valletta slammed him up against a whiteboard, punched him in the head and pushed him over a chair onto the floor.

Back in September, a District Court judge found Valletta guilty of disorderly conduct and not guilty of assault.

Among other things this new suit claims the city of Cranston provided negligent training.

Bergantino’s attorney points to a 2004 outburst by Valletta that was videotaped. He says following that incident the city did not establish a policy to train employees in supervisory roles on how to handle "anger, stress or bad temper." The suit says "Cranston’s deliberate indifference to Mr. Bergantino’s well-being, firefighters’ well-being, and citizens’ well-being in not training and supervising Defendant Valletta caused Mr. Bergantino’s injuries and emotional distress."

The complaint also claims civil conspiracy, negligence, assault and breach of duty of fair representation.