Fire Law Podcast: DC Battalion Chief’s Demotion Reversed

In this podcast District of Columbia Battalion Chief Richard Sterne explains the circumstances surrounding his demotion by Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe for not finding two officers guilty of charges at a disciplinary hearing. Curt Varone and DC Attorney Jim Pressler review the facts, the law and the politics behind the scene in the Nation’s Capitol. [Note: it may take 1 to 2 minutes to load, or you can download from iTunes]

More on the story.

Download the decision: BC Sterne Ruling

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.
x

Check Also

Kentucky Officer’s Comments About Female Subordinate Lead to Suspension

A Lexington, Kentucky fire lieutenant has been suspended for 120 hours for making a series of comments about one of his female subordinates. Lt. Terrance Gatewood is accused of having made the comments about her appearance between February and March of 2023.

Louisiana Captain Challenges Termination

A Louisiana fire captain who was terminated last year, has filed suit claiming he is being retaliated against for contacting elected officials in his capacity as a union representative, in violation of his 1st Amendment rights. Jonathan Gramm filed suit naming the DeSoto Parish Fire District 9 and Fire Chief Kristopher King as defendants.