Kansas Chief Seeks $1.3 million for Sex Discrimination

A deputy chief who was laid off by the Topeka Fire Department in 2010 due to budget cuts, has filed a claim for $1.3 million alleging that the elimination of her position, and the refusal to rehire her for a training position, was gender based and retaliatory.

Kathy Petty was one of Topeka’s first female firefighters, and the first to reach the rank of deputy chief. She had been in the cross-hairs of the union, with 86% of the rank and file having expressed their dissatisfaction with her performance in a 2006 poll.

Her position was eliminated in February, 2010. The city claims the position was eliminated to save money, but Chief Petty disputes that fact. She also claims she was fully qualified for a training officer position that became available in 2011, but was passed over.

Chief Petty’s $1.3 million claim is an administrative request for payment filed in advance of filing a suit. The city council will consider the claim at its next meeting but is expected to deny it, forcing her to file suit.

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