School District Sues Over FD Funding Cut

Posted by: Curt Varone May 8, 2011 1 Comment

An unusual lawsuit over fire department funding in Bexar County, Texas has been settled. Last November, the Southside Independent School District filed suit against Bexar County Emergency Services District #6 after the district cut off funding for 2 volunteer fire departments that provide coverage to Southside’s schools.  

Officials from ESD #6 claim the funding was cut because the fire departments failed to file proper certification paperwork and submit to background checks. The two fire companies, Ata-Bexar VFD and Sandy Oaks VFD, claim the loss of funding prevents them from being able to respond to alarms.  

Here is a news story on the suit that aired last week just prior to the settlement being announced.

The case was settled last Friday, May 6, 2011 with an agreement that the fire departments will receive their monthly allotments from the emergency services district. More on the settlement.

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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