Family Sues Long Island Fire Department Over Theft Allegations

Posted by: Curt Varone August 29, 2016 1 Comment

The family of an elderly Long Island volunteer firefighter who was accused of stealing cash from a fundraiser several year ago, is suing the fire company claiming the man had Alzheimer’s.

John BaRoss Sr., 80, and a 50 year veteran of the Greenlawn Fire Department, was banned from the fire department after being accused of pocketing cash while selling pizza at the annual Fireman’s Fair.

According to BaRoss’s son, John BaRoss Jr.,   “They emptied his pockets, wallets, kicked him off the grounds.” He said his father still does not understand what happened.

BaRoss, Jr. said he tried to reason with the department leadership, and offered them medical documentation about Alzheimer’s, but it was ignored.

The suit names the Greenlawn Fire Department and four officers for defamation and slander. The family is seeking $1 million in damages, which BaRoss Jr. says will be donated to Alzheimer’s research.

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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