Conflicts of Interest

Fired Massachusetts Chief Sues Selectmen Alleging Termination Was Political

A Massachusetts fire chief who simultaneously served as a member of the town’s Board of Selectmen, is now suing the board and the other selectmen over his termination last February. Fire Chief Ernest J. Cardillo, Jr. filed suit last week in US District Court accusing the Town of Stockbridge and the selectmen with violating his civil rights under federal and state law.

Ambulance Company Seeks To Block Augusta Fire From Providing EMS Transport

An ambulance company is suing one of Georgia’s regional EMS councils in an effort to block the Augusta Fire Department from taking over EMS transport. Gold Cross EMS, Inc. filed suit earlier this week in Richmond County Superior Court naming the East Central Georgia EMS Council as the sole defendant.

You Tube Ad Leads To 3 Day Suspension

The Orlando district chief who appeared in uniform with a city vehicle in a YouTube ad for a new fishing product has learned his fate: a three-day suspension without pay. District Chief Danny Wilson appeared in the video earlier this year marketing a new product, the Rod Defender.

Phoenix Fire Marshal Reassigned Following Investigation Into Conflicts Of Interest

Phoenix Fire Marshall Jack Ballentine has been permanently reassigned to the fire department's Homeland Security section following investigations into his involvement with fund raising for the public safety related charity, the 100 Club of Arizona.

Burning Question on Investigations into Misconduct By The Fire Chief

Today’s burning question: If a misconduct complaint is filed against a fire chief, should subordinate chiefs be allowed to conduct the investigation? Answer: As a general rule, someone who has a potential conflict of interest should not be tasked with conducting a misconduct investigation

Indiana Firefighter Gets Reprieve from Retire or Relinquish Elected Office Dilemma

An Indiana firefighter and four government employees have received a reprieve on the implementation of a new law that would prohibit them from holding elective office in the jurisdiction in which they are employed. Michael Opinker is a firefighter for the City of Hammond and he was also elected the serve on the Hammond City Council.

Nebraska Suit Over Low Interest Loan to Ambulance Service Dismissed

A lawsuit to block a Nebraska city from providing a $350,000 low-interest loan to a new ambulance service owned by two people with ties to the city’s fire department has been dismissed. The North Platte City Council approved the loan to Priority Medical Transport, owned by Assistant Fire Chief Trent Kleinow, and Dr. James Smith, the fire department’s medical director.

Secondary Employment Investigation in Atlanta Finds Conflict of Interest

The Atlanta Fire Department, already in the spotlight over the termination of a well respected fire chief, Kelvin Cochran, is again in the news over reports that firefighters assigned to the fire prevention division are working part-time jobs in clubs they are responsible to inspect.

Ohio Chief Accuses Fire Board of Conspiracy and Racketeering

Fire Chief David Fulmer has been waging the battle of his life as he fights to regain his reputation following being terminated from the West Licking Joint Fire District in 2012 and again 2014. Chief Fulmer was terminated in 2012 on vague charges related to computer misuse, but was widely believed to have been targeted for replacement due to animosity that had developed between him and the board of trustees

Texas Fire Chief Resigns Amidst Nepotism Allegations

The fire chief of Travis County Emergency Services District No. 4 has resigned under pressure from the district board after it was revealed that his two daughters and his future son-in-law were on the payroll. What is unclear from news reports is whether this was simply another firefighter being caught-up in an overly-broad nepotism policy, or whether ethical boundaries had been crossed in terms of hiring and supervision.

Firefighter’s Marriage Violates Nepotism Policy

A firefighter in Columbus, Mississippi has been transferred out of the fire department because he married the niece of a fellow firefighter, resulting in a violation of the city’s nepotism policy.

San Bernardino Faces Second Age Discrimination Suit

The San Bernardino County Fire Department is facing its second age discrimination lawsuit by chief officers in the past 2 years. The suit filed last week by former Division Chief John Salvate, 50, and current Battalion Chief Michael Weis, 62, ...

Pilfered Pennsylvania VFD Defaults on Mortgage

A Pennsylvania volunteer fire company that has been the victim of insider theft on two occasions last year is now being sued for defaulting on its mortgage. On Friday, Fairway Consumer Discount Company filed suit against the Rice Township Volunteer ...

Ohio Chief Ordered Reinstated – Another Victory for Chip Comstock

An assistant chief from Bristol Township has been ordered reinstated by an Ohio court. Assistant Chief Steven Craiger was terminated by the Bristol Township Board of Trustees for “malfeasance, misfeasance, misconduct in office and/or gross neglect of duty and that ...

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