FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro was in US District Court for the Eastern District of New York on Friday, called before Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis to answer questions about why the discipline of nine firefighters for racists remarks was not made public. Judge Garaufis has continuing jurisdiction following the settlement of a race discrimination suit filed in 2007. That suit resulted in a $98 million settlement along with an agreement to overhaul FDNY’s hiring process.
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.