Detroit EMT Files Whistle-Blower Lawsuit Against City

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A Detroit paramedic believes he was fired for what he told authorities about the alleged Manoogian Mansion party.

Doug Bayer is the latest city worker to have filed a whistle-blower lawsuit against the city of Detroit.

He filed the suit Wednesday and he shared his story exclusively with Local 4.

Bayer worked for the city for eight years. In that time, he won numerous awards for his life-saving services to the community.

However, despite his seemingly good overall work performance, Bayer claims he was fired for what the Fire Department called an immoral act. Bayer insisted he did nothing wrong.

According to internal documents, Bayer removed some equipment from an ambulance without authorization. But he denied the allegation and believes the firing was unjust.

"I took a piece of equipment and returned it to the rightful owner. I returned (some cable) to the hospital. It didn't belong to the Fire Department," said Bayer.

Local 4 talked to union representatives who said it's unusual to let someone go because of a mix-up with a piece of equipment. Moreover, Bayer was never charged with theft. Union officials said that means the city didn't have grounds to fire him.

Bayer believes he knows the real reason he was fired. He maintains the city wanted to get rid of him for what he told state police he saw back in 2002.

Bayer said he kept quiet for years because he was too scared, but in the wake of his firing he was compelled to talk. He also believes filing the suit and sharing his story may provide some security.

"Coming forward is a good way to keep my face out there. I'm a lot safer than with my face hidden behind a shade," said Bayer.

On a fall night six years ago, the former EMT said he was rushing a patient to Detroit Receiving Hospital when he was stopped in his tracks.

"It became apparent it was the mayor's executive protection unit--they did not allow me access to the hospital," said Bayer. "I said, 'I got to get in here.' They said, 'No you don't, not right now.' I ... asked a fellow co-worker, 'What's going on?' They said, 'Carlita Kilpatrick just beat down some b**** .' I said 'Who?' One of my fellow co-workers said 'You don't know who the mayor's wife is?' I said, 'Sorry, I don't follow politics.' They said, 'Sit back and watch the show!'

Bayer said soon the hospital became bustling, but not with the usual activity.

"I saw a large crowd in the foyer of Detroit Receiving Hospital, a lot of hustling of people into private rooms. A couple of other SUVs pull up, black dark windows, and they go into the hospital, and told us to keep the driveway clear," said Bayer.

Bayer said he realized he was privy to sensitive information when state police interviewed him as part of an investigation into the alleged Manoogian Mansion party.

He said not long after he talked to investigators, he was targeted by city fire officials.

Bayer feels he was "harassed, (and) arbitrarily suspended. Upon getting a suspension I was told by a deputy fire commissioner, Tthat will teach you to keep your mouth shut,'" said Bayer.

Bayer's convinced there was a wild party at the mayor's residence; additionally, he believes there has been an ongoing cover-up attempt in the aftermath of that party.

"I have no doubt now. They're making it painstakingly clear -- keep your mouth shut," said Bayer.

Norman Yatooma is representing Bayer in his whistle-blower lawsuit. He'sthe same attorney representing the family of Tamara Greene, an exotic dancer who some people speculate performed at the party and was assaulted by the mayor's wife, Carlita Kilpatrick.

Of course, those are just rumors, part of the larger mansion party rumors that have never been substantiated.

What is fact is that Greene was shot and killed later that fall. Her family filed suit against the city charging police did not thoroughly investigate her killing.