Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone

Tag Archives: dyslexia

South Carolina Firefighter Sues Over Dyslexia-Related Discrimination

A South Carolina volunteer firefighter who claims he was passed over as a full-timer because of his dyslexia has filed suit alleging disability discrimination. Christopher Gallagher filed suit last month accusing the Surfside Beach Fire Department of violating the American With Disability Act Amendment Act (ADAAA).

Detroit Firefighter Loses Reverse Discrimination Appeal

The Michigan Court of Appeals has rejected the appeal of a Detroit firefighter who claims he failed his probationary period as a lieutenant on account of his race and disability discrimination. Toby O’Brien claims his demotion in 2014 was attributable to his dyslexia and because he is white.

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.

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