Boston Police Officer Sues City

The former president of a Boston police union has filed a lawsuit against the city and Mayor Thomas Menino alleging he has been passed over for promotion in retaliation for supporting Menino's former opponent.

Lt. Joseph Gillespie says in his federal suit filed Monday he has been passed over for promotion to captain three times even though he has the top civil service score of eligible candidates.

The Boston Globe reports that he alleges his First Amendment rights were violated because he supported Menino's opponent, City Councilor Michael Flaherty Jr. during the 2009 mayoral race.

Gillespie is a 29-year veteran who was president of the Boston Police Superior Officers Federation union from 2001 to 2009.

Spokeswomen for Menino and the police department said they could not comment on pending litigation.