Idaho Firefighter Settles Wrongful Termination Suit

Posted by: Curt Varone January 19, 2017 1 Comment

An Idaho firefighter who alleged that he was terminated for reporting the fire chief for driving a fire department vehicle while impaired, has agreed to settle his wrongful termination suit for $26,000.

Captain Brent Blamires was fired by the Rock Creek Fire District in 2015, shortly after he reported Fire Chief Jason Keller for driving while under the influence. According to Captain Blamires wrongful termination lawsuit, Chief Keller fired him “for “disorderly conduct’ and alleged his actions and ‘negative communications’ were affecting both the department and individual employee morale within it.”

Besides alleging wrongful termination, Captain Blamires sought protection under the Idaho Whistleblower Act.

Here is a copy of the settlement agreement: Keller v Rock Creek Settlement

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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