Pennsylvania Police Chief Sues Fire Department

A Pennsylvania police chief has filed suit against the fire department claiming his disabling lung condition was caused by a mold condition in the police station, which was rented from the fire department.

Christopher P. Tolson, police chief for Dalton Borough, claims that while working in the police station in 2011 and 2012, he was exposed to dangerous mold and mold spores. The station was in the basement of the Dalton Fire Company’s building, which the borough rents and houses the borough’s offices.

The lawsuit, filed on October 25, 2013, alleges the fire company was negligent in failing to maintain the premises in a safe, contaminant-free manner. As a result of the exposure, Chief Tolson suffered a permanent lung injury. The complaint says he is seeking damages in excess of $50,000.

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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