NH Fire Chief Reinstated Despite Ruling

Posted by: Curt Varone April 7, 2015 0

In a move that took many by surprise, the New Hampshire fire chief who lost his bid in court to retain his position, has been reinstated as fire chief.

On Monday, Board of Selectmen of the Town of New Durham voted 2-1 to reappoint Peter Varney as fire chief. Chief Varney was removed back in 2014 without notice or a hearing. At the time he was at home and happened to be watching the selectmen’s meeting when they began to deliberate his continued employment and ultimately voted to remove him 2-1 without his input.

Last week we covered a decision by Strafford County Superior Court Judge Brian Tucker that concluded that the Town of New Durham was within its rights to terminate Fire Chief Peter Varney without notice or cause.

Chief Varney’s reappointment took effect immediately and appears to make an appeal of Judge Tucker’s ruling unnecessary.

Congratulations to Chief Varney on his reappointment!!!

Here is more on the story.

Original Story.

Last Week’s 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.
© Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved. | FireLawBlog.com & Curt Varone | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
x

Check Also

Virginia Firefighters Seek $1.5 Billion from PFAS Companies

Six Virginia firefighters and the estate of a deceased firefighter have filed suit against 25 companies associated with per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) seeking $1.5 Billion in damages. The named lead plaintiff in the action is Sara P. Chiaverotti, wife of Virginia Beach Fire Captain Matthew Chiaverotti who died from anaplastic thyroid cancer last year.

Rochester Firefighter Claims Domestic Violence and Gender Discrimination

A Rochester firefighter who claims to have been the victim of domestic violence and sexual harassment at work, has filed suit against the City of Rochester. The firefighter, identified as Jane Doe, claims that the city failed to protect her from domestic violence as required by state law and city policy, and that she was sexually harassed by coworkers at work.