Austin Firefighters Angered Over 16 Suspensions

Posted by: Curt Varone October 26, 2016 4 Comments

Austin Firefighters are taking to the media with concerns about the growing number of firefighters being suspended for traffic incidents. Sixteen firefighters have been suspended in the past month, prompting IAFF Local 975 President Bob Nicks to complain about an “over-punishing environment” that is “harmful to morale”.

Austin’s disciplinary disputes go back several years, but appear to have become worse following the IAFF’s censure of Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr last July.

 

Additional coverage.

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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