Two Ohio Councilmen Sued For Giving Themselves Jobs with Fire Department

Today’s burning question: Can an elected village councilman vote to give himself a paid position with the village fire department? Is it any better if two councilmen do it? What if they vote to give a councilman’s wife a job? ...

Family Ties and Chain of Command

Here is today’s burning question: I have been volunteering with a small rural fire district for about 11 years. I was promoted to lieutenant by the previous chief, but since he left 7 years ago I have had nothing but ...

Florida Chief Resigns and Department Under Investigation

A fire chief in Florida has resigned amidst an investigation into his having allowed two relatives and a family friend to serve as volunteer firefighters despite their having been convicted felons. Fire Chief Brad Hall of the Mexico Beach Fire ...

Albuquerque Captain Wins Right to Run for State Office

Albuquerque Fire Department Captain Emily Kane wanted to run for state representative. Standing in her way (besides her opponents) was a city charter provision that prohibited employees from either running for or holding state office. When Captain Kane was informed ...

Honolulu Ethics Panel Investigating Fire-EMS Merger Contract

Honolulu Ethics Panel Investigating Fire-EMS Merger Contract. The Honolulu Ethics Commission has begun an investigation into the bid process used to select a consultant back in 2010 to help assist with the merger of the Honolulu Fire Department and the ...

Nebraska Supreme Court Rules on Fill the Boot Case

Today’s Burning Question: Is it illegal for firefighters to collect money for a charity during their on-duty hours? Answer: In Nebraska it is now illegal for on-duty firefighters to collect money for charities such as the MDA… well… at least ...

Ohio Ethics Commission Investigates Conflict in Bargaining Case

Today’s burning question: I am an elected official and my son is an IAFF firefighter who serves in the community that I represent. Can I get in trouble if I am involved in negotiations, or I vote to approve an ...

Ohio Ethics Commission Investigating Chief for Teaching at College

Today’s burning question: I’m a fire chief and I teach at the local community college. Some of my firefighters attend classes at the college and the fire department reimburses them. Is there anything unethical about that arrangement? Answer: I honestly ...

Ethics Charges Settled With EMS Chief

The former chief of EMS for FDNY has been slapped with a hefty fine by the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board. Chief John Peruggia, who was demoted in early January following numerous complaints over the city’s response to the December ...

Circumventing Nepotism Law Creates Larger Problem for Louisiana Fire Chief

Trying to circumvent an ethics problem created an even larger headache for a Louisiana Fire Chief. Former Grand Caillou Fire Chief, Johnny Duplantis, and his wife, Carol Duplantis, recently paid $8,000 in fines for violating state ethic laws. The chief allegedly ...

Providence Boat Ride Under Fire

Offered without commentary:

Pension Benefits Case Raises Complex Issues in San Diego

Ron Saathoff, the president of the San Diego firefighters union has sued the city of San Diego, asking it to honor his retirement benefits that were canceled two years ago after an investigation by the IRS concluded that it violated ...