Open Records Law Suit in California

The Anderson Fire Protection District, in Anderson, California has been sued by The Record Searchlight to obtain an investigator's report on the conduct of its former fire chief. Attorney Walter McNeill, filed the lawsuit on behalf of the newspaper in Shasta County Superior Court seeking documents regarding  the district's investigation into ex-Fire Chief Joe Piccinini.

The Record Searchlight had previously sought information under the state's Public Records Act about the investigative report regarding allegations of mismanagement and misconduct of Piccinini, but were unsuccessful. Piccinini was placed on paid administrative leave in May, and resigned on July 1. The lawsuit alleges that the report is a public record, but fire protection officials say it falls under an exemption in the Public Records Act.

Neither Piccinini nor the fire board had offered an explanation for the resignation or the findings of the investigation, which cost the city $41,000.

More stories. More.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
x

Check Also

Family Of Man Struck By Chief’s Vehicle Sues

The family of a man who was run over and dragged by a Georgia battalion chief at the scene of a shooting is suing the city for their emotional harm. Germayne Farrell was shot and killed in a shootout between rival motorcycle clubs, the Outcasts and Thug Riders.

Another Assisting Police Lawsuit in the News

A federal court in California has dismissed several counts in a lawsuit filed against the City of Richmond and American Medical Response West over the death of a man, but will otherwise allow the case to continue. The suit was brought by the family of Ivan Gutzalenko, who died on March 10, 2021.