Families of Two San Antonio Firefighters Sue

The families of two San Antonio firefighters, one of whom died the other who was seriously injured at a fire in 2017, have filed suit against Scott Technologies and the owner of a boxing gym where the fire occurred.

Scott Deem was killed and Brad Phipps was seriously injured at a fire in the Spartan Boxing Gym on May 18, 2017. The gym’s owner, Emond Johnson, has been charged with arson and murder for his role in the fire.

A copy of the complaint is not available. Based upon news reports, the Deem and Phipps families claim their PASS devices failed to sound. It is unclear if one suit was filed for both families against Scott and Johnson, or whether separate suits were filed. I will post a copy of the complaint(s) if one (or more) can be located.

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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