NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. \u2013 A former Neptune Beach Police commander is suing the department, alleging harassment and discrimination by Chief Michael Key Jr. after disclosing several health conditions.<\/p>\n
Commander Gary Snyder, who served with the department since 2017, filed a 27-page lawsuit detailing claims of workplace discrimination. The lawsuit alleged Chief Key began harassing, discriminating against, and retaliating against Snyder in October 2023 after learning about his cancer diagnosis and severe diverticulitis that required surgery and recovery.<\/p>\n
The situation ultimately led to Snyder\u2019s constructive discharge in June 2024.<\/p>\n
Before joining the Neptune Beach Police Department, Snyder spent 20 years with the Jacksonville Sheriff\u2019s Office, where he retired as a detective in April 2017. He immediately joined the Neptune Beach Police Department that same month.<\/p>\n
According to the lawsuit, Snyder maintained positive professional relationships with colleagues, including Key, who became the permanent police chief in August 2023 and served as Snyder\u2019s immediate supervisor.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit detailed how Snyder informed Chief Key about various health issues, including malignant melanomas, diverticulitis, and an enlarged prostate. Key allegedly responded to these disclosures by saying, \u201cIt\u2019s hell getting old,\u201d among other things.<\/p>\n
Following Snyder\u2019s diverticulitis diagnosis, the lawsuit claimed Key\u2019s behavior changed significantly. The chief allegedly stopped morning greetings, ceased personal conversations, and began closely monitoring Snyder\u2019s whereabouts, particularly criticizing his attendance at medical appointments.<\/p>\n
When Snyder requested extended Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave on January 16, 2024 for medical treatment, Key allegedly continued berating him about his absences and publicly complained about trying to \u201cget Snyder through June\u201d for retirement, despite Snyder having no such plans to retire.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit stated Snyder took FMLA leave in February and returned to work in April. Upon his return, the alleged retaliation resumed, including:<\/p>\n
Circulating or failing to stop rumors about Snyder being \u201cclose to being fired\u201d<\/p>\n
Scheduling meetings requiring Snyder to come in on his day off<\/p>\n
Snyder filed two written complaints against Chief Key, one in February and another in May. Despite these complaints, the harassment and retaliation allegedly continued, leading to Snyder\u2019s constructive discharge on June 3, 2024.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit sought compensation for lost earnings and benefits, as well as damages for non-economic losses, including mental anguish.<\/p>\n
The Neptune Beach Police Department has not responded to requests for comment.<\/p>\n
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