Municipal Liability

Topeka Captain Alleges Race, Disability and FMLA Discrimination

A Topeka, Kansas fire captain has filed suit alleging race and disability discrimination; retaliation; and a violation of the Family Medical Leave Act. Captain Brently Dorsey claims he was passed over for numerous promotions, denied the opportunity for reassignment to positions for which he was eligible for and was ultimately forced to take an early retirement in 2022.

Read More »

Michigan Fire Chief Challenges Termination

The former fire chief for Kalamazoo Township, Michigan has filed suit against the township and its manager claiming that his termination last year was improper and violated his due process rights. Fire Chief David J. Obreiter was terminated September 14, 2022, approximately one-month after a pre-determination hearing was held before Township Manager Dexter A. Mitchell.

Read More »

Colorado Union President Challenges Termination

The union president of IAFF Local 3214 has filed suit in federal court alleging the Mountain View Fire Protection District fired him in retaliation for his union activities, and did so in a way that violated his Constitutional Rights. Benjamin Carter was fired on March 21, 2023.

Read More »

Wrongful Death Suit Filed in Illinois Over Apparatus Accident

The husband of a woman who died in an apparatus accident involving a Rockford, Illinois engine last March, has filed suit against the city and the apparatus driver. Ismael Mondragon filed suit as the administrator of Marta Sandoval Esquivias’ Estate as well as in his own name, against the city and firefighter Miguel Holland.

Read More »

Minnesota Two-Hatter Prevails in Disability Claim

When a firefighter works full-time for one department, and part-time for a second department, can the full-time department be financially responsible if the firefighter suffers a career ending injury while operating at a fire where both departments respond, even though she responded with the part-time department?

Read More »

Hawaii Firefighter Sues Over 2021 Burn Injuries

A volunteer firefighter with the Hawaii County Fire Department who was burned at a wildland fire in 2021, has filed suit against the department and three fire officers. Elizabeth Stabo filed suit last week in Hawaii’s Third Circuit Court, which covers Hawaii County.

Read More »

California Captain Files Disability Discrimination Suit

A fire captain with a California fire department has filed suit claiming the refusal to allow him to return to full-duty following a non-work-related injury constitutes disability discrimination under state law. Joseph Basinski filed suit against the Valley Center Fire Protection District alleging two counts of discrimination.

Read More »

Alabama Captain Sues Claiming Discrimination and Retaliation

A former captain with an Alabama fire department has filed suit claiming the failure to promote him to battalion chief in 2020 was due to his race, and that after complaining about it he was retaliated against. Captain Demetrius Webb filed suit in federal court against the City of Homewood and Fire Chief Nicholas Hill.

Read More »

Texas Fire Department Facing Another Lawsuit

A Texas fire department that has been in the Fire Law News twice recently, is once again facing a lawsuit. The Magnolia Fire Department, Montgomery County Emergency Services District #10, and two chief officers are facing a sexual harassment suit brought by a former firefighter - assistant office manager.

Read More »

Oregon Fire District Faces $20 Million Suit by Fired Chief

The Columbia River Fire & Rescue is facing a $20 million lawsuit filed by recently fired Fire Chief Joel Medina. The suit filed in US District Court for the District of Oregon names the fire district, four members of the fire district board, IAFF Local 3215 St. Helen’s Professional Fire Fighters Association, and several current and former officers of Local 3215.

Read More »