A former high-ranking San Jose fire official is accusing the city and Chief Robert Sapien of unlawful termination, discrimination and retaliation, alleging it as part of a calculated effort to oust him from his job weeks before becoming eligible for retirement benefits.

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Assistant Chief James Williams, 57, filed a government claim against the city — the first step before he can officially file a lawsuit — with his attorney indicating that if a resolution is not reached on lost wages, retirement benefits, emotional distress, and punitive damages, litigation will follow.

“The city of San Jose and its leadership made a deliberate decision to end the career of a highly qualified and respected Black fire executive just weeks before his retirement eligibility,” said attorney J

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