Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
Two South Carolina firefighters have filed suit against the local sheriff for false arrest and malicious prosecution following a police-fire wars skirmish last year.
On February 14, 2014, Fire Chief Andy Martin, 57, of the West Chester Volunteer Fire Department and his brother, firefighter Tommy Martin, 61, were arrested following an altercation with Chester County Sheriffs that occurred at the scene of a jackknifed tractor-trailer accident.
Chief Martin was charged with third degree assault and battery and disorderly conduct while his brother was charged with two counts of third degree assault and battery. The charges were later dismissed following an independent investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
On Monday, the Martin brothers filed suit in Chester County Circuit Court against the Chester County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Alex Underwood. The suit accuses the sheriff of false arrest and malicious prosecution. We are hoping to obtain a copy of the complaint and will post it here if we are able.
