A former West View police officer filed a federal lawsuit against the borough Monday, claiming he was fired because he has multiple sclerosis.

Douglas Drwal was hired by West View in 1995. In 2004, while working as a detective, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Over the next year, Mr. Drwal was told twice that he would not be considered for the SWAT team because of his illness, and he was demoted from his position as a detective to police officer.

In his lawsuit, Mr. Drwal said he was ridiculed and mocked because of the disease.

After learning in December 2005 he was again not being considered for the SWAT team, Mr. Drwal told the department he was filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Ten days later, he learned that he was being investigated by an outside agency, related to several driving under the influence cases.

Though he was told by prosecutors he would not be charged with any crime, Mr. Drwal claims he was fired.

He filed the lawsuit claiming he is being discriminated against because of his disability and alleging retaliation.