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

A jury has awarded the family of a deceased Kansas City medic $100,000 for disability discrimination and retaliation. The medic died in 2018 from an overdose of prescription medication that the family contends was suicide brought on by workplace bullying.

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In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for March 26, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss a second lawsuit filed by three FDNY chiefs against Commissioner Laura Kavanagh over their demotions and/or reassignments, those one alleging age discrimination; a suit filed ...

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Three FDNY chief officers who filed suit against Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh last month, have filed a second lawsuit, this one accusing her of age discrimination. Deputy Chief Michael Gala, Deputy Chief Joseph Jardin, and Deputy Assistant Chief Michael Massucci filed suit in Kings County Supreme Court.

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In this edition of Fire Law VLOG, Curt interviews Fremont, California Division Chief Diane Hendry and Attorney Deborah Kochan regarding a $2.6 Million settlement of a retaliation lawsuit. Chief Hendry came to the defense of a female recruit, which led to the retirement and/or discipline of several male officers. That is turn led to retaliation against her.

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A woman who was injured while stepping into an elevator has filed suit against a number of parties, including the local fire department. Michele Oliver filed suit against Holiday Inn Express, Delaware Elevator, Inc., and the Lewes Fire Department over an incident that occurred on March 27, 2021.

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The owners of a vehicle that was damaged by Sacramento Metro firefighters while battling a blaze in a junk yard, have filed suit alleging negligence. Iryna Vorniku and Kostiantyn Vorniku are seeking $68,000 in damages from the Sacramento Metro Fire District.

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A Buffalo firefighter who was seriously injured in an altercation with another Buffalo firefighter following a St. Patrick’s Day parade last year, has filed suit alleging negligence, recklessness and battery. Derek Rose filed suit in Erie County Supreme Court, naming Richard Manley as the sole defendant.

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A deputy chief who was terminated from the Forney Fire Department, has filed suit claiming he was retaliated against because he raised concerns about firefighters making “under-the-table” payments for shift trades. Logan Kerr was fired from the Forney Fire Department in December, 2022, just four months after he was hired.

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In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for March 21, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss arson charges against a volunteer firefighter in Georgia for setting his own home on fire to collect on the insurance; a guilty plea by a ...

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The parents of a Watertown firefighter who died while training at the New York State Academy of Fire Science, have filed a second wrongful death lawsuit, this time against five instructors. Peyton L.S. Morse died after suffering a medical emergency while in engaged in a training evolution.

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The International Association of Firefighters has filed suit against the National Fire Protection Association claiming that portions of NFPA 1971 wrongfully impose requirements on structure fire turnout gear that, in essence, mandate the use of cancer-causing PFAS. The three-count complaint alleges civil conspiracy, violation of Massachusetts’ unfair and deceptive trade practices act, and negligence.

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A volunteer firefighter in Georgia has been charged with setting his own home on fire to collect on the insurance. Todd Anthony was arrested by the Greene County Sheriff's Office on March 3, 2023, almost a year after the March 16, 2022 fire.

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A Colorado Springs firefighter charged with careless driving resulting in death, pled guilty to the misdemeanor charge. Wesley Cosgrove was driving a brush unit to a fire in a park on October 16, 2022. While proceeding down a dirt path he drove over what appeared to be debris. A 76-year-old homeless woman, Margaret Miller, was under the debris.

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In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for March 14, 2023, Bill Maccarone and Curt discuss a lawsuit filed by an Alabama fire department against a Florida-based dry cleaner over damage to seven Santa costumes; criminal charges brought against a ...

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