By Janis MaraTimes-HeraldVALLEJO, Calif. — A former Vallejo fire captain will receive a $5 million settlement in a case alleging that the city retaliated against her after she complained of gender discrimination by the city’s fire department. A Solano County jury found on July 31 that the city of Vallejo retaliated against then-Fire Captain Melisse Leitzke after she complained of discrimination. “We thank Captain Leitzke for her dedication to our community’s safety.” However, her rise to the top was derailed after she complained in 2022 that the fire chief discriminated against her due to her gender, Leitzke alleged. “This verdict confirms what Melisse has known for years, that the City of Vallejo retaliated against her for speaking out about gender discrimination,” Ratner said.