New Houston Mayor Raises Firefighters’ Optimism

Posted by: Curt Varone January 2, 2024 0

After years of labor management strife, Houston Firefighters are expressing optimism that the seeming endless legal battles they have endured can be finally be resolved with the inauguration of Mayor John Whitmire. Fox26 interviewed IAFF Local 341 President Patrick “Marty” Lancton who called Mayor Whitmore’s election a “win” for firefighters.

President Lancton expressed optimism that the many lawsuits brought by firefighters to get what they are entitled to, as well as more recent suits brought by the city against the firefighters, can finally be brought to a close.

Here is Mayor Whitmire’s address to firefighters:

Update: January 3, 2024: Whitmire orders city of Houston to withdraw legal challenge in firefighter pay lawsuit

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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