Court Rejects Union Free-Speech Claim in Port Houston Discipline Case

A US Magistrate judge has recommend that a union free-speech lawsuit filed by six Port Houston firefighters be dismissed. The firefighters were disciplined in 2020 following an external investigation into allegations of harassment.

Oklahoma Enacts Law to Allow EMS Transport on Fire Apparatus in Emergencies

The State of Oklahoma has amended the statutes governing the delivery of emergency medical services to allow the transport of patients on emergency vehicles that are not ambulances when approved by medical control. The law is a direct response to a case out of the Oklahoma City Fire Department that resulted in discipline to a company officer for transporting a child on an engine in 2020

Connecticut Firefighter’s Drug Death Leads to Discipline of Eight Others

An investigation following the off-duty death of a New Britain firefighter has resulted in the termination of a lieutenant, and the suspension of seven others, four of whom were also demoted. The discipline follows the suspected overdose death of Firefighter Matthew Dizney.

Fifth Circuit Rejects Habeas Request of Man who Stabbed Firefighter

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of a man sentenced to forty-years in prison for stabbing a firefighter at a fire scene in 2014. Kirk Ross Engle was convicted of stabbing Yorktown, Texas firefighter Brian Smolik.

Fire Law Roundup for May 16, 2022

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for May 16, 2022, Curt reviews a sexual orientation discrimination suit in Florida, race discrimination suits in FDNY and Contra Costa County California, an amended complaint in a social media-related discipline suit out Nashville, and the settlement of a residency dispute in Pittsburgh.

Orlando Fire Inspector Filed Suit Over Sexual Orientation Discrimination

A fire inspector with the Orlando Fire Department has filed suit alleging harassment and discrimination on account of his sexual orientation. Theodore M. Washington, II filed suit in US District Court for the Middle District of Florida alleging violations of state and federal discrimination law.

FDNY Firefighter Sues Alleging Race Discrimination and Retaliation

An FDNY firefighter who claims he was racially harassed and physically assaulted at a firehouse celebration, has filed suit in federal court alleging race discrimination and retaliation against the city. Alonzo Baker filed suit today in US District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Nashville Firefighter Claims Discipline Over Sick Leave is Retaliation

A Nashville firefighter who is suing the city contending his earlier discipline violated his First Amendment rights, has been disciplined again resulting in him amending his original complaint to include retaliation. The complex case involves firefighter Josh Lipscomb, who is a comedian under the stage name Josh Black.

Pittsburgh Reaches Agreement With Union on Residency

The City of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Firefighters IAFF Local 1 have reached a compromise on ending a residency requirement for firefighters. The residency requirement was incorporated into the city charter in 2013 for firefighters and police officers.

California Firefighter Sues Alleging Race Discrimination

A California firefighter who was demoted from probationary captain to firefighter engineer, has filed suit alleging race discrimination, retaliation, constructive termination, emotional distress, and FMLA violations. JuDon Cherry, who identifies himself in the complaint as an “African American male”, filed suit against the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

Fire Law Roundup – May 9, 2022

In this week’s Fire law Roundup for May 9, 2022, Brad and Curt discuss a larceny case involving a volunteer fire company in Pennsylvania, a drowning case in Maine, discipline of a Jamaica firefighter protesting a schedule change, a ruling upholding Idaho’s firefighter cancer presumption law, and a California lawsuit alleging age discrimination, retaliation and whistleblower violations.

California Firefighter Claims Age and Whistleblower Discrimination

A California firefighter who was seeking a lateral transfer to the Newcastle Fire Protection District, has filed suit claiming age discrimination and whistleblower retaliation. Brian Thompson contends that as a result of his whistleblower activities while a member of the French Camp McKinley Fire Department, his application was handled differently and ultimately rejected.

Couple Charged With Stealing From Pennsylvania Fire Company

A Pennsylvania couple who served in leadership positions within their volunteer fire department has been accused of stealing from the department. They are accused of stealing more than $2,700 from the Elk Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

Maine Drowning Suit to Proceed

A federal court judge has refused to dismiss a wrongful death - civil rights lawsuit against the City of Portland and a firefighter, brought by the family of a man who drowned in 2020. Eric Cohen died on April 12, 2020 after he fled from police and jumped into the frigid bay waters.

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