Arizona Chief Settles Pension Claim Against City

Posted by: Curt Varone October 16, 2011 0

A case we discussed several weeks ago involving the fire chief in Peoria, Arizona has settled. Thomas Solberg was promised a pension as part of his benefit package when he left the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Fire Department in 2009 and moved to Arizona to become the fire chief in Peoria.

However, after working in Peoria for over 14 months, the state pension system refused to permit him to join leaving the Chief and the city without a viable alternative to what was promised. Chief Solberg resigned earlier this month, and filed a $3.6 million damage claim against his former bosses.

The Arizona Republic is reporting that the chief has agreed to accept $150,000 to settle the matter. As part of a settlement, the city does not admit fault and Chief Solberg has agreed not to publically discuss the fact that the city promised him the pension benefit.

More on the 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.
© Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved. | FireLawBlog.com & Curt Varone | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
x

Check Also

FDNY Settles FLSA Overtime Suit for $4.3 Million

The city of New York has agreed to settle the FLSA overtime claims of 326 fire inspectors for a grand total of $4.3 million. The lawsuit was filed last year by 26 original plaintiffs who alleged they were not compensated for all hours worked; their overtime was paid on an amount less than their regular rate; and the city failed to pay overtime in a timely manner.

Appellate Court Upholds Dismissal of Firefighter’s Gender Violence Suit

The Illinois Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling that dismissed the state law claims of a female lieutenant who claims she was assaulted by another officer, and then retaliated against when she reported it. Michelle Giese claims Lieutenant Nathan Boyce picked her up and pushed her against a wall at a structure fire on October 18, 2018.