Jacksonville Sexual Harassment Suit Settled

Posted by: Curt Varone October 1, 2015 0

A sexual harassment suit filed by a Jacksonville Fire Rescue lieutenant last year has been settled. Candice Buckner filed suit in August of 2014 claiming harassment and retaliation.

The primary basis for her complaints was the actions of other officers, who reportedly said things like:

  • “we aren’t changing 150 years of tradition just because there’s a bitch in the house now.”
  • ”the bitch can leave if she doesn’t like it”
  • “if it’s the last thing I do, she is not staying here.”

Here is prior coverage of the allegations including the original complaint

Buckner agreed to settle her claims in exchange for the city agreeing to pay her $25,000, provide her with an additional 150 hours of leave, and provide “officer level training” on sexual harassment. Under the terms of the agreement, the city’s Human Rights Commission will deliver the training within six months.

The settlement was reportedly reached last month and the case dismissed on September 29, 2015. More on the story.

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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