Firefighter’s Mom Seeks Change In Culture

The mother of deceased Fairfax County firefighter Nicole Mittendorf is sounding off about her daughter’s death and the culture of bullying that contributed to it. Marde Clardy was quoted by WUSA Channel 9 as saying “No other parent needs to live with what I’ve gone through.”

The remarks come after revelations that a captain made comments at a recruit class family night event that seemed to condone bullying.

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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