Philadelphia police officer Paul Zenak is suing the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Police Department in the Court of Common Pleas, claiming that he and the children involved in a police department-run after-school homework program were exposed to asbestos at the church where the program was held. In addition, Zenak – a decorated officer – claimed he was retaliated against when he asked that the asbestos be removed or that they be provided with a safer place to gather.

According to an article by the Courthouse News Service, Zenak claims that he and the dozens of children that took part in the program were unnecessarily exposed to asbestos at the church in the northeast section of the city. In his testimony, the officer claimed that an unlicensed and unqualified contractor was charged with the task of removing the asbestos because of his ties to the local Police Athletic League (PAL). Zenak says the contractor’s work was “dangerously shoddy” and that he “has been involved with asbestos issues” for other Police Athletic League after-school programs.

Zenak also told the court that when he was told it was safe to re-enter the room with the children after the asbestos abatement had taken place, he found the basement room to be filthy and covered with dust. Bags of questionable debris were also found in the space.

When he raised concerns about the contractor’s sloppy workmanship, Zenak says he received his first letters of reprimand in his 20-year career with the Philadelphia Police Department. Zenak has had an exemplary career with the department, being named Officer of the Year twice.  The letters will impede his ability to advance in the department or to transfer to other positions, Zenak noted.

In addition, since the asbestos exposure occurred, Zenak has been treated for asthma-like symptoms, which have kept him out of work.

Aside from the Philadelphia Police Department and PAL, Zenak has also named the church – Wissinoming United Methodist – and the contractor – J. Bailey Builders LLC, as defendants in the lawsuit. Zenak alleges “violations of the Pennsylvania Whistleblower Act and the Philadelphia False Claims Act, negligence, recklessness and civil conspiracy.”

Zenak is seeking damages and is also requesting that the defendants to pay for regular medical monitoring so that if he develops an asbestos-related disease such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, he will be diagnosed as soon as possible.

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