Female Fire Chief Sues California City For Discrimination

Posted by: Curt Varone April 19, 2011 2 Comments

The fire chief of Monterey Park, California has filed suit alleging she was discriminated against by city officials because she is gay. Cathleen Orchard’s lawsuit claims she is wrongfully being forced out of her job as fire chief, a position she had held since June, 2005.

The suit was filed on April 14, 2011 in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging gender and sexual orientation discrimination, harassment, retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She alleges that city officials, including council members, shunned her, attempted to discredit her, and in at least one case berated her in public.

News reports about the case have had conflicting information about whether Chief Orchard had stepped down, but the Pasadena Star is reporting that she is still the chief, but out on leave.

For 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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