NY, NJ and PA Fire Law Headlines

There were fire law headlines from three northeast states today:

In New York, the Village of Rye Brook reached a settlement with the Village of Port Chester over a contract dispute for fire services. According to Rye Brook Mayor Paul S. Rosenberg:

“The settlement between Rye Brook and Port Chester also allows us to immediately settle our contract dispute with the Rye Brook Professional Firefighters union. They have been working a lot of overtime since this dispute arose, and we really appreciate their efforts.”

In New Jersey, a Patterson firefighter has been charged in connection with a murder. Kaheem Hunt, 30 and an Army veteran, was accused of shooting Juan Martinez, 39, on may 1, 2017. More on that story.

In Pennsylvania, a volunteer firefighter has been charged with possession of child pornography. Erik Eagle, 22, a volunteer firefighter in Luzerne Township, was charged earlier this week.

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.
x

Check Also

Ohio Supreme Court Refuses Request to Remove Fire Chief

The Ohio Supreme Court has refused to order the removal of a fire chief whose appointment was challenged by an assistant chief who served as the interim fire chief. Assistant Chief Patrick Johnson contended that when he was sworn in as interim Fire Chief for the City of Brook Park on September 7, 2022, his appointment became permanent.

Ohio Pregnancy Discrimination Suit Against Two Fire Departments Severed

A firefighter who sued two different Ohio townships alleging gender and pregnancy discrimination, will now have to proceed separately against each township following a court’s decision to sever the cases. Kara Cruikshank filed suit against Berne Township and Pleasant Township over her treatment following her pregnancy in 2022.