Louisiana Firefighter Charged With Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer

A volunteer firefighter in Louisiana is facing charges of impersonating a law enforcement officer after he entered two establishments wearing his fire department uniform and a gun, and identified himself as an arson investigator. Michael Shane Miller was arrested by the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office following the January 12, 2024 incident.

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Former Fire Chief Sues NY Fire District for $4 Million

The former fire chief of the Hagerman Fire District has filed suit against the district and its board of directors alleging gender discrimination, hostile workplace, and retaliation under state and federal law. Nicole Pannhurst filed suit in US District Court alleging violations of Title VII, New York’s Human Rights Law, and civil rights violations under 42 USC § 1983.

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Split Decision for Chicago Fire in Disability Discrimination Suit

The US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois handed down a split decision on a disability discrimination case filed by a paramedic candidate for the Chicago Fire Department. Donna Griffin filed suit after the Chicago Fire Department concluded she was “not medically fit” due to the medications she was taking for adjustment disorder and insomnia.

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Fire Law Roundup for January 22, 2024

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for January 22, 2024, Brad and Curt discuss a wrongful death sue brought against two firefighters and a city over the death of a homeless man who overdosed; the settlement of a wrongful ...

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Ohio Fire Department and Medics Sued for Wrongful Death

The estate of an Ohio man who died while being transported to the hospital, has filed suit against two fire department medics and the City of Middletown. William “Billy” Jeffreys died while being transported by a Middletown Fire Department ambulance from a city warming center to the Atrium Medical Center on March 7, 2022.

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Firefighter Prevails in FD Suit to Recoup Cost of Medic Training

A court appointed arbitrator has ruled that a Washington state fire department cannot recoup the costs of paramedic training from a firefighter who took a position with a new fire department beyond withholding his final paycheck. The suit was brought by San Juan Fire Protection District No. 2, dba Orcas Island Fire Rescue against Alex Conrad.

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Fire Law Roundup for January 15, 2024

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for January 15, 2024, Brad and Curt discuss an FLSA Overtime and retaliation suit out of Phoenix; an appellate ruling on the appropriate calculation of the death benefit of Missouri volunteer firefighters; an ...

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Phoenix Captain Claims FLSA Overtime Violation and Retaliation

A captain with the Phoenix Fire Department has filed suit in federal court alleging he was improperly denied 7.25 hours of overtime and then retaliated against for seeking the extra compensation. Captain David Johnson filed suit naming the city and five chief officers for violating FLSA and retaliating against him.

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Missouri Court Rules Death Benefit for Volunteer FFs To Be Based on Career Wages

The Missouri Court of Appeals has ruled that death benefits for volunteer firefighters should be based upon the average wages of “similar” career firefighters in Missouri, and not the value of the benefits received by “similar” volunteers. The case was brought by Susan Hayes, after the Missouri LIRC awarded her $40 per week in benefits following the death of her husband, Russell.

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Appeals Court Upholds Termination of WV Fire Lieutenant

A West Virginia fire lieutenant who was terminated after a series of off-duty altercations, has lost his appeal before the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Nicholas Graley was terminated by the City of South Charleston in 2020 following three separate incidents, each of which resulted in his arrest.

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