Fresno Sex Discrimination Suit Settled

Michelle Maher’s sexual discrimination suit against the Frenso Fire Department has been settled. The single mom who claims she was forced out of the 2005 training academy, won her gender discrimination case last year, and the case had been on appeal.


The city agreed to pay $3,350,000 to settle the case, including $900,000 in legal fees.

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.
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