command-leadership

Chicago IG Raises Concerns About Fire Department Badge Theft

The Chicago Inspector General’s Office has issued a press release and a five-page advisory outlining its multi-year investigation into the mysterious disappearance of several hundred Chicago Fire Department badges. A total of 340 badges had been reported as lost or stolen between January 1, 2015, through June 30, 2020.

Federal Court Rules Against Cincinnati Captain Over TV Channel Dispute

A US District Court has granted the City of Cincinnati’s motion for judgment on the pleadings in a case brought by a fire captain who claimed he was the victim of sexual harassment and retaliation after he complained to a district chief about a “film” firefighters were watching on the station television.

YCMTSU New Mexico

A dispute in a small town in New Mexico has resurfaced in the Fire Law news with word that a county has filed a counterclaim against a former fire chief who sued the county earlier this year. You may recall the YCMTSU story of Fire Chief Eddie Velarde, the IC who was arrested at the scene of a fire.

Department Liability For an Unqualified Chief

Today’s burning question: Are there cases out there where a fire department was held liable for not having a qualified chief officer(s)? Our fire board does not seem to care that our chief has no qualifications what-so-ever. Answer: Negligent selection, failure to train, and negligent supervision are very common allegations in law suits. The problem is the implication of the question: is the main reason we want qualified people to serve as chief officers because we are scared of being sued…

Embattled Kentucky Fire District Missing $7.4 Million

On the heels of state auditors in New York who claim $5 million in funds is unaccounted for from the books of a volunteer fire company, comes a story about a Kentucky fire district where auditors claim $7.4 million is missing. The allegations involve the beleaguered Southeast Bullitt Fire District, and former Fire Chief Julius Hatfield.

Colorado Fire Chief Sues Fire District for $1 Million

A Colorado fire chief who was terminated last year while on leave for post traumatic stress disorder is suing his former department for $1 million. Former fire chief Bob Harvey is suing the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District for defamation, emotional harm and wrongful termination.

Louisiana Pension System Files Suit Against Two Retired But Working Chiefs

The Louisiana Firefighters' Retirement System has filed suit against two fire service executives who are working at jobs similar to those they had prior to their retirement while collecting state pensions. The ongoing dispute involves Jefferson Parish Fire Director Joseph Greco and Assistant Director David Saunders

Fire Law Podcast – FDNY Disability Pension Used to Settle Discrimination Suit

In this edition of Fire Law, Curt discusses the controversial settlement of an FDNY discrimination suit with Attorney Peter J. Gleason, himself a retired FDNY firefighter. Peter represented FDNY firefighter Kevin Simpkins who was awarded a disability pension earlier this year. The settlement made for sensational headlines.

Suspended Hartford Deputy Chief Files Suit

A deputy chief from Hartford, Connecticut who was suspended for 30 days without pay last week, has filed suit against his fire chief, two other ranking officers, and the mayor alleging violations of his right to free speech. Deputy Chief Daniel Nolan filed suit today in Connecticut Superior Court naming Fire Chief Carlos Huertas, Interim Assistant Chief Scott Brady, Fire Marshal Roger Martin, Mayor Pedro Segarra.

Hartford Fire Facing Criticism Over Fire Inspection Lapses

The Hartford Fire Department is facing new scrutiny over the failure to complete state-mandated fire inspections. The department has faced mounting criticisms since last October when FF Kevin Bell was killed in a house fire and FF Jason Martinez was seriously injured.

Idaho Fire District Sued Over Elimination of Union President’s Position

An Idaho division chief who was fired after he helped organize a union and served as it’s president, has filed suit against a fire district and its commissioners. Division Chief Timothy McDermott was fired from the Worley Fire District on November 11, 2014. His lawsuit claims that he was told his actions "irritated” the Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners prompting his termination.

Two Fire Officers Among America’s Worst Bosses of 2014

The 2014 list of America’s 100 Worst Bosses is out and the good news is only two of them are firefighters. The list is compiled annually by eBossWatch, whose team of experts consists of an impressive panel of workplace professionals.

Louisiana Chief Fired For Slapping Butt of Female Firefighter

A Louisiana fire chief has been terminated and is facing criminal charges for slapping a female firefighter on the butt during a fire prevention program at a local school. Fire Chief Michael Arnold of the Eunice Fire Department was terminated earlier this week by the Eunice City Council. The incident reportedly occurred on October 9, 2014.

Atlanta Mayor Terminates Chief Cochran

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced yesterday that Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran has been terminated after refusing his request to resign. Chief Cochran was suspended for 30 days in November after concerns were raised about comments in his new book, "Who Told You That You Were Naked", that condemned homosexuality and suggested women should be subservient to their man.

Page 1 of 212 »