Behind the Pierce case settlement.

In a rare public review of how city officials decided to settle the hazing case of former Los Angeles Firefighter Tennie Pierce, the City Council was told Tuesday that the city at the time faced much greater losses amid ongoing controversies at the Los Angeles Fire Department. Daily News.

Attorney Brian Sun of the firm of Jones Day, which received $1.4 million to review the case, said the city was facing a difficult time in defending itself in the Pierce case.

Pierce sued the department, alleging harassment and discrimination, after colleagues fed him spaghetti that had dog food in it.