Tag Archives: military discrimination

Fire Law Roundup – April 18, 2022

In this episode, Brad and Curt discuss the dismissal of an Alabama lawsuit alleging military and race discrimination; an appellate decision upholding the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by a man jumped out of the back of a moving FDNY ambulance; the conviction of a Virginia firefighter charged criminally for driving a fire truck to a fire; a union harassment lawsuit in Idaho; and a lawsuit against several NJ fire departments who deployed AFFF at a fire scene.

Washington Firefighter Claims Fire Department Violated USERRA

A Washington firefighter is suing his department alleging violations of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Travis Bearden filed suit earlier this year against the City of Ocean Shores claiming its refusal to grant him military leave violated USERRA.

Latino Firefighter Sues FDNY Alleging Discrimination

A Latino firefighter with FDNY has filed suit alleging discrimination and retaliation on the basis of race, national origin, disability, and military service. Joseph Mendoza filed suit last week in US District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Washington Firefighter Sues Claiming Military Discrimination

A Washington state firefighter who was repeatedly denied accommodations for his military service has filed suit in federal court claiming a violation of Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). Brett Martinson filed suit yesterday against Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.

Missouri Captain Claims Military Discrimination Blocked Promotion

A Missouri fire captain has filed suit claiming he was passed over for promotion to assistant chief because of an impending military deployment. Captain Zach Sierks filed suit today in US District Court naming the Prairie Township Fire Protection District and its three board members.

Mississippi Lieutenant Files Two Suits against City

A Mississippi fire lieutenant who claims he was passed over for promotion on several occasions, has filed two lawsuits in federal court against his department. Lt. Lonnie Johnson filed suit against the City of Laurel alleging a USERRA violation and a violation of the FLSA.

Alabama Firefighter Loses Military Discrimination Suit

A military discrimination lawsuit filed by an assistant chief with the Montgomery Fire Department, has been dismissed. Assistant Chief Ted Clark filed suit last year accusing the city of denying him a promotion, denying him family medical leave, and retaliating against him on account of his military service with the Alabama Army National Guard.

NJ Appeals Court Affirms Ruling In Favor of Fire Department on Disability Claim

The Appellate Division of the NJ Superior Court has upheld a verdict in favor of the Cranford Fire Department’s decision not to hire a firefighter who failed a psych exam. The suit was brought by Frank Rivera, who was passed over for a career position despite having served as a call firefighter for many years.

Florida Fire Department Accused of Military Discrimination

A former firefighter in Florida has filed suit claiming he was terminated because of his military service. Chris Merrell filed suit last week against the City of Clermont Fire Department under the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act and Florida's version known as Florida Uniformed Servicemembers Protection Act.

Arizona Fire Department Settles Military Commitment Discrimination Claim

The US Department of Justice has announced the settlement of a claim by a Bullhead City, Arizona firefighter that his fire department violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) by eliminating his position, and refusing to rehire him.

Pittsfield Military Discrimination Suit Settled

The Department of Justice has settled a lawsuit over military discrimination with the Pittsfield, Massachusette, Fire Department. The suit alleged that Pittsfield firefighter Jeffrey Rawson was passed over for promotion to lieutenant because of his military service obligations. Rawson passed a ...

Salem Oregon Settles Military USERRA Discrimination Claims Against Firefighters

The city of Salem, Oregon has settled the claims of five present and former firefighters alleging discrimination under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). All five were members of the Oregon National Guard. The firefighters alleged systematic ...

Mass Firefighter and Justice Department sue Pittsfield for USERRA Violation.

Pittsfield firefighter Jeffrey Rawson and the U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the City of Pittsfield under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) alleging that the city discriminated and retaliated against Rawson by denying him ...