$2.5M Settlement In Delco Police Chief's Race-Based Termination Suit

YEADON, PA — The former police chief of a Delaware County borough recently got a hefty settlement after he sued his former employer, claiming he was fired for being white.

A $2.5 million settlement was reached by Yeadon Borough and Anthony Paparo, the borough's former police chief, according to multiple news outlets.

Paparo was fired in February 2022 after the Yeadon Borough Council voted 4-3 in favor of his termination.

Paparo, who is white, then filed a civil rights lawsuit that alleges the decision was based on his race.

The suit targeted Council President Sharon Council-Harris, Vice President Learin Johnson, President Pro Tempore Tomeka Jones-Waters, and Councilwoman Carlette Brooks, as well as the borough itself.

It alleged the four council members deemed Yeadon "a black town," and thus would fire Paparo and replace him with a black person to serve as chief.

Johnson was accused in the suit of telling Mayor Rohan Hepkins and two others she planned to fire Paparo and bring in a black chief.

A white chief was later hired in January 2023.

Additionally, the suit says Johnson offered Detective Freddie Ingram, who is black, the chief position. Ingram declined the offer and affirmed his support for Paparo, the suit says.

Paparo was allegedly given an ultimatum: either resign with three months salary or be fired.
Borough officials said Paparo's termination stemmed from a grievance over Paparo's decision to hire more part-time officers that violated the union's contract. The borough had to pay $387,000 to settle the grievance.

The suit sought to reinstate Paparo as chief, as well as award him back pay and damages to be paid by the borough and the council members.