Iowa Captain Receives $45k Age Discrimination Settlement

Posted by: Curt Varone July 12, 2013 2 Comments

The City of Sioux City, Iowa has settled an age discrimination lawsuit filed by a fire captain in 2012.

Brian Thiele, 48, claimed that he was passed over promotion to fire marshal based in part on his age. His lawsuit alleged that Fire Chief Tom Everett told him that the selected candidate (age 37) was young enough to pursue additional education that was desired for the post. [Note to self… remember not to make age-related statements to candidates applying for promotion… even if you are just trying to make an unsuccessful candidate feel better about being passed over].

The federal court suit was settled for $45,000.  More on the story.

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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