Former Idaho Deputy Chief Sues for Wrongful Termination

Posted by: Curt Varone October 28, 2014 0

A deputy chief who was fired in May by the Nampa Fire Department has filed a wrongful termination suit against the City of Nampa, Mayor Bob Henry and Fire Chief Karl Malott.

Deputy Chief Doug Strosnider claims be was suspended and then fired because of his code enforcement activities at two apartment buildings, and because he alerted authorities to the fact that one of the buildings was discriminating against people with disabilities. At the time He was serving as fire marshal.

Chief Strosnider alleges that in February he met with Mayor Henry to discuss his intention to require the Golden Glow Tower and Landmark Tower to install fire alarm and sprinkler systems. In March he sent out notices to the properties and informed discrimination officials that representatives at Golden Glow told him they did not allow blind or deaf individuals to live in the building.

On April 11, Chief Strosnider was suspended without pay for exercising “poor judgement” in sending the notices to Golden Glow and Landmark. On April 28, he was placed on administrative leave fired on May 2.

The suit seeks reinstatement and back pay.

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.
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