Tag Archives: defamation

Neighborhood Fire Contract Wars

Every once in a while, a would-be litigant takes a “shot over the bow” of a neighbor mutual aid fire department when the continued service of the fire company is on the line. A trend across the nation appears to involve municipal consideration of other fire companies to serve the territory traditionally served by the complaining fire company.

Fire Law Roundup for August 14, 2023

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for August 14, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss a Rhode Island superior court decision upholding the right of fire districts to charge for plan review; the grant of summary judgment to the defendants ...

Dentist’s Defamation Suit Contradicts Rochester Firefighter’s Lawsuit Over Juneteenth Spoof

The sensational case of an African American firefighter in Rochester, NY who claims to have been forced to attend a racist house party while on duty, has taken a dramatic turn as the party’s host has a filed a defamation suit against the firefighter’s attorney and an elected official who made public statements about what occurred.

Airport Firefighters Seek Injunction to Prevent Retaliation Over IAFF Censure

Nine members of IAFF Local 3217, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Professional Firefighters, have filed suit against the Authority and three chief officers seeking an injunction to prevent retaliation against them for trying to bring to light safety related staffing concerns. The nine firefighters are the elected officers and executive board of the local.

Florida Court Rules Fire Chief Has Absolute Immunity From Liability For Defamation

The Florida Court of Appeals has ruled that when publicly reporting on matters within the scope of his/her assigned duties, a fire chief has absolute immunity from liability for defamation. That ruling came in the high-profile Miami Fire Department case from 2017 that involved firefighters defacing family photos of a colleague and placing a noose-like string on one of the photos.

Fire Law Roundup for August 1, 2022

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for August 1, 2022, Brad and Curt discuss a gender discrimination suit by two chief officers in the Tulsa Fire Department; a ruling by the Texas Court of Appeals holding that backpay for ...

Fired South Carolina Fire Chief Sues Mayor for Defamation

A former South Carolina fire chief who was terminated in 2020 has filed a defamation suit against the mayor who fired him. Mark Redd was the fire chief in Wagener. He was terminated by Mayor Michael Miller after serving the town as a volunteer firefighter for over 40 years, the last 23 of which as fire chief.

Washington Chief Settles Wrongful Termination and Defamation Suits for $725k

A Washington state fire chief who was awarded $735k earlier this year, has reached a settlement of his wrongful termination and defamation suits. Fire Chief David Bathke was terminated in 2019 by Ocean Shores Mayor Crystal Dingler after he refused her requests to resign.

Medics and FD Sued Over Photos of Shooting Victim

The sister of a man who was shot and killed during Black Lives Matter protests in Cicero, Illinois last summer, has filed suit against two Cicero Fire Department paramedics and a retired lieutenant for taking and sharing photos of his body. Adriana Cazares filed suit today naming Frank R. Rand, Justin Zheng, Gene Lazcano and the Town of Cicero as defendants.

Suit By Retired Alabama Chief Dismissed

A former District Chief with the Montgomery Fire Department who agreed to retire in 2010 as part of the settlement of a gender discrimination suit, has lost a second suit she filed in 2018 claiming that the fire chief made derogatory comments about her. District Chief Jennifer Jennings Bennett first sued the city in 2008.

Alabama Chiefs Accuse Local Officials of Conspiracy

Two Alabama chief officers have filed suit against eight current and former local officials alleging they engaged in a conspiracy to fire the chiefs. Northport Fire Chief Bart Marshall and Battalion Chief Richard Brown filed suit this week naming Councilman Robby Davis, Mayor Donna Aaron, former councilman Jody Jobson, ...

Arizona Firefighter Sues Fire District Over Termination

A former Arizona firefighter who was terminated in 2019 after the department eliminated its wildland program, is suing the fire district for wrongful termination, retaliation, and an assortment of wage and hour claims. Jason Craven filed suit in Navajo County Superior Court naming the Clay Springs-Pinedale Fire District Board.

Nevada Firefighter Union Sued By Mayoral Candidate

A Nevada man who ran an unsuccessful campaign for mayor of the town of Fernley has filed suit against a firefighters’ union that he claims defamed him during the campaign. Ryan Hanan filed suit last month accusing IAFF Local 4547, North Lyon County Firefighters Association, of defaming him on Facebook by posting false statements about his service as a firefighter.

Florida Appeals Court Rules Against Former Palm Beach Battalion Chief

A Florida appellate court has ruled against a former battalion chief who sued the Town of Palm Beach following his demotion and termination. Former Battalion Chief Jason Weeks sued the town for fraud, conspiracy to defame, negligent supervision, negligent interference with a prospective advantageous business relationship, and denial of due process.

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