Sexual Harassment in Westbrook – The Story Continues

Posted by: Curt Varone December 31, 2009 2 Comments

There has been another development in the decade long sexual
harassment battle in the Westbrook, Maine Fire Department, as two male firefighters
have contested disciplinary actions imposed against them. Lt. Donald Trafford and
Firefighter Matthew Lamontagne are grieving their punishments to the Maine
Labor Relations Board.

The action comes on the heels of a sexual harassment lawsuit
filed by female firefighters. The same firefighters had previously complained to
the Maine Human Rights Commission in 1994 and 2001, on each occasion prevailing
and receiving settlements.

On the positive side, the department is bringing in a
consultant to address allegations of gender bias and sexual harassment. The
most recent complaint alleges that
certain male firefighters, including company level officers, engaged in
incidents ranging from masturbation and pornography in a fire station to a sexual
affair and sex at a fire department gathering. For more on this story.

About Curt Varone

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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