NEW YORK - The former police officer accused of putting Eric Garner in a fatal chokehold five years ago officially filed suit against the Police Department for wrongful termination Wednesday.

Daniel Pantaleo was let go in August by Police Commissioner James O'Neill. The decision followed the recommendation of an NYPD judge who oversaw a departmental trial.

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His attorney, Stuart London, said at the time they planned to take legal action for his client to get his job back.

As part of the firing, Pantaleo would not collect a pension.

Reverend Al Sharpton responded to the lawsuit in a statement saying, "If Pantaleo's case goes to trial, the National Action Network will pack the courts while wearing neck braces to show solidarity in our fight for justice for the Garner family and victims of police brutality."