Hamden — A firefighter says he's been harassed at his job at the Hamden Fire Department because he's a Jehovah's Witness.

The New Haven Register reports that Ray Pouncey has sued the fire department and town of Hamden in federal court. He says he's forced to work in a hostile environment and that the problem has been persistent since he refused to march in a Memorial Day Parade several years ago.

He said he can't do anything that could be considered worshipping a man-made object such as a flag.

Pouncey said false allegations about his work have been lodged against him and he has filed complaints with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

Town officials, including Fire Chief David Berardesca, wouldn't comment. A representative of the town attorney said no one would comment.