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

The family of a Seattle man who died after firefighters mistakenly staged waiting for police, has agreed to settle their $10 million wrongful death suit for $1.8 million. William Yurek died on November 2, 2021 following 911 calls reporting that he was experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing.

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An Ohio firefighter has filed a federal lawsuit accusing her fire chief of sexual assault and harassment. Rebekah Huskey claims that Port Clinton Fire Chief Kent Johnson engaged in longstanding pattern of harassment dating back years.

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In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for October 2, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss a lawsuit brought by the family of a Florida firefighter who was killed in a trailer mishap; the dismissal of a suit by an LA ...

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The family of a Florida firefighter who was fatally injured when a trailer filled with sand tipped, has filed suit accusing the city of gross negligence and wrongful death. Apopka firefighter Austin Duran was injured on June 30, 2022 while attaching the trailer to a fire department vehicle.

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A lawsuit filed by a Los Angeles County fire captain caught up in the photo-taking scandal surrounding the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash, has been dismissed. Captain Brian Jordan sued the county to recoup the legal fees he incurred defending his actions when he was sued by the families of those killed in the crash.

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Los Angeles County has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by a fire captain who was shot by a firefighter in 2021. The settlement calls for a payment of $2.6 million to Captain Arnoldo V. Sandoval, who suffered serious injuries in the incident that occurred at Station 81.

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A Peekskill, New York firefighter of Middle-Eastern ancestry has filed suit against the city, the firefighters’ union, and the fire chief alleging race and ethnicity discrimination. Robert Pappas claims he was passed over three times for promotion to lieutenant, and when he complained he was retaliated against by being denied injured-on-duty status for a work-related injury.

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Six members of an Ohio family are facing charges that they stole $75,000 worth of fuel from an EMS provider in Ohio. Tony Wilson, his wife Malea, sons Christopher and Tony Lee, daughter Tiffany Wiseman, and her husband Joshua Wiseman have been charged with stealing from Patriot EMS, located in Ironton, Ohio.

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In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for September 25, 2023, attorney Bill Podszus and Curt discuss criminal charges brought against a member of the London Fire Brigade for secretly recording female colleagues while they showered; a race discrimination suit ...

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A firefighter with the London Fire Brigade has been charged with voyeurism for secretly filming female colleagues as they showered at work. The firefighter, identified only as a 32-year old male, is also facing charges of sexually enticing girls under the age of 13.

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An African American recruit firefighter in Washington state who had a noose placed around his neck by a fellow recruit, has filed suit against the department, several officers and the offender. Elijah Page filed suit in federal court against the Clark County Fire District 6, three chief officers, a captain and former recruit John Erickson.

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A female recruit who was terminated by Atlanta Fire Rescue in June of 2023, has filed suit claiming she was sexually harassed by a 70-plus year-old fire instructor. Amber Ellison filed suit last week in US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

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Another Topeka, Kansas fire captain has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit over not being promoted. Captain Barbara Hack claims that she was passed over for the same promotions that Captain Brently Dorsey filed suit over.

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A Topeka, Kansas fire captain has filed suit alleging race and disability discrimination; retaliation; and a violation of the Family Medical Leave Act. Captain Brently Dorsey claims he was passed over for numerous promotions, denied the opportunity for reassignment to positions for which he was eligible for and was ultimately forced to take an early retirement in 2022.

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