Buffalo Fire Argues That Four Decades is Enough

Posted by: Curt Varone March 3, 2015 8 Comments

In 1974, the US Department of Justice filed suit against the City of Buffalo alleging the fire department’s hiring process was discriminatory. What followed was nearly forty years of court mandated hiring quotas overseen by US District Court Judge John T. Curtin.

Now the city is seeking to end the court mandated hiring quotas and bring Judge Curtin’s role in overseeing the fire department hiring process to a close. In a motion filed by attorney Adam W. Perry, the city is asking the court to close the case. The motion referenced documented successes the city has had in increasing minority hiring over the years, including a process in 2013 that resulted in 73 blacks, 13 Hispanics and 30 women being among the top ranked candidates.

The Buffalo News quoted Perry as saying “This motion seeks to ultimately end the court’s supervision of the department.” He added “We anticipate that relief will be granted.”

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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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