A former NYPD aviation commander is facing a lawsuit after allegedly firing his platoon leader due to the leader’s age and race.
John Vizcari, a seasoned pilot who joined the NYPD following the 9/11 attacks and became part of the aviation division in 2017, claims that former Deputy Chief Winston Faison kept him on desk duty for months, mocked him as a “fucking old man,” and eventually forced him out of his position, assigning him to a black driver instead.
At 55 years old and of Hispanic descent, Vizcari alleges that Faison, who is black, overlooked him for promotions and even avoided conversations with him, according to a discrimination lawsuit filed in Manhattan against both Faison and the city.
This lawsuit against Faison is reportedly the seventh since a July report highlighted various allegations and issues within the department, including claims that Faison damaged a helicopter and attempted to obstruct a Federal Aviation Administration investigation while favoring less qualified black associates over veterans.
“It was my dream to be a part of this unit,” Vizcari stated, who is still active in the Air Force, expressing his feelings of discouragement and how their careers were disrupted during that time.
He remembers that during his annual pilot training in Texas, Faison took over the unit, saying, “He wanted to get rid of me in the worst possible way.” Vizcari noted that Faison even skipped a farewell ceremony for a retiring colleague, contributing to what he described as a toxic work environment.
Faison, who had been under federal scrutiny for overtime misconduct and resigned once the allegations surfaced, is accused of damaging a $40,000 tail rotor on a $1.5 million Bell Helicopter used by the unit.
Faison has refuted the allegations during a recent podcast appearance.
Vizcari is seeking unspecified damages and mentioned in court documents that the NYPD has since apologized and restored his position after Faison left.
“Faison created a culture of command that rewarded loyalty based on skin color and punished all else,” commented Vizcari’s lawyer, John Scola, asserting that Faison used the aviation unit for racial patronage and personal benefit.
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice said that New York City is devoted to ensuring an equitable workplace and plans to review the lawsuits before responding legally.
Faison’s attorney directed inquiries to the NYPD, which has not yet commented on the situation.
