OKC Settles Discrimination Suit for $175k

Posted by: Curt Varone May 27, 2021 0

A lawsuit filed last year by an Oklahoma City firefighter has been settled for $175,000. Nicholas Martin claimed he had been harassed by his colleagues at Station 9 on numerous occasions during his short tenure on the department.

The harassment included racially offensive nicknames and comments, and culminated with firefighters shooting a roman candle at his groin while he showered. The episode was recorded by another firefighter.

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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