Firefighter Gets Settlement From Gay Bashing

New York City firefighter, critically injured when a colleague hit him with a metal chair during a firehouse fight, has reached a $3.75 million settlement with the city.
Robert Walsh, who was attacked by Michael Silvestri, testified at his federal lawsuit trial that the attack on New Year’s Eve in 2003 was the culmination of nearly two years of anti-gay slurs from his fellow firefighter.
Spokeswoman Kate Ahlers says the city’s law department is pleased that the matter has been resolved.
Walsh’s lawyer did not return calls for comment, but his co-counsel also confirmed the settlement.
Former firefighter Michael Silvestri pleaded guilty to assault in 2006 after hitting Walsh, and served a year in jail. He previously told the New York Post, “I am not a gay basher. I have plenty of gay friends - I’m the most liberal guy you’d ever meet.”