Fire Law Stories in Todays Headlines

Posted by: Curt Varone November 30, 2011 0

There were several fire law stories of interest in the news today:

In New Jersey, North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue is investigating how a fire department vehicle came to be parked outside The Squeeze Lounge in Weehawken on Thanksgiving Eve. Alternatively referred to as an adult entertainment spot and a “go-go bar”, it appears that The Squeeze is not the type of place firefighters should be frequenting while on-duty, nor by fire apparatus. Dave Statter is on this one. More the the story.

In East Ridge, Tennessee deputy chief Mike Flynn was suspended for 3 days for leaving his loaded handgun in the fire house bathroom. It was discovered by the 4-year-old son of another firefighter who stopped in to visit. The child’s father went in to check on his son and intervened as he was about to pick it up. More on the story.

And in Greenwich Township, New Jersey, a case we covered last August has made its way to court. John and Patricia Newton have sued Greenwich Township, the township committee, the Greenwich Township Fire Department and various officials alleging that their failure to properly oversee the fire department contributed to sexual misconduct between various ranking officers and their daughter. The prior blog explains the allegations. Here is more on the suit.

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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