Cases in the Fire Law News

I am not sure what is up with our blog platform, but I am truly sorry for the interruptions you may be experiencing. It has been a few days now and things are still not right. In the past we have been attacked by cyber-pests from places like Russia and China so perhaps that continues to be the problem.

At any rate, there are a few stories in the fire law news today. In New York, career firefighters in Garden City have filed suit alleging that the layoff of six firefighters has posed a safety threat to the remaining personnel. More on the story.

In New Hyde Park, New York  a citizen blasted the New Hyde Park Fire Department for “wasting” $11,500 on an “unwarranted” disciplinary hearing of two members. The case involved a commissioner, Michael Dolan Sr., who received a donation of smoke detectors, and claims he took a large number of them to his home for safekeeping. His son. Michael Dolan, Jr., assisting him in moving the detectors.

When asked about the detectors Dolan returned them, but Fire Commissioners Richard Stein brought the matter to the police. While the police declined to press charges, internal charges were brought.  Here’s more on that story.

And in Florida a volunteer fire department has closed its doors following unsuccessful negotiations with the county. The Keystone Heights Volunteer Fire Department, organized in 1925, ceased operations on April 15, 2013. 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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