Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) has filed a declaratory judgment action seeking to prevent the reinstatement of a union president and former Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting lieutenant, citing a post-termination security breach and its federally mandated authority over secure airport access.
The complaint, filed in Providence County Superior Court on July 2, 2025, targets former ARFF Lieutenant Steven R. Parent, who was terminated from T.F. Green International Airport’s fire department on October 28, 2024. Parent was president of the Council 94 Local 2873, which represents firefighters, airport police officers, airfield maintenance, building maintenance, and clerical staff.
According to the RIAC, Parent’s termination followed allegations that he knowingly discouraged applicants from joining the department, thereby undermining its operations. The Rhode Island Current suggested that the airport’s allegation about “undermining its operations” was somehow associated with Parent benefiting by increased overtime due to ongoing vacancies.
Following his termination, RIAC revoked Parent’s security credentials and directed him not to enter any secure areas of the airport. The suit alleges that on November 1, 2024, Parent allegedly violated those directives by entering the secured ARFF station without authorization. The complaint alleges that Parent gained access to the firehouse with the help of a former subordinate, entered the station unescorted, retrieved a binder, and made a vulgar gesture toward a deputy chief before departing.
Parent has denied the allegations, and claims he returned to the station with advanced notice in order to obtain a copy of the union contract. According to the complaint, RI Council 94 for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has filed a grievance over Parent’s termination. Council 94 President Michael McDonald was quoted by the Rhode Island Current as saying that an arbitration hearing is scheduled in August, and the RIAC is “trying to avoid answering for what they’ve done.” The Current also states that Council 94 filed an unfair labor practice against RIAC.
In the suit, RIAC’s alleges that access to secure airport areas is governed by a federally approved Airport Security Program (ASP) and subject to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. It argues that it has exclusive authority to issue and revoke security credentials and that Parent’s actions on November 1, 2024, disqualify him from holding such credentials in the future.
RIAC contends that if an arbitrator were to reinstate Parent to the ARFF Unit, it would violate federal law and compromise airport security. It also notes that the lieutenant position remains unfilled, creating a strain on staffing and increasing overtime costs. The corporation is seeking a judicial declaration that Parent cannot be reinstated due to his ineligibility for security credentials—a requirement for ARFF personnel.
Here is a copy of the complaint:
