Firefighter Claims Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Cost Her Two Jobs

A California firefighter who was dismissed from two different fire departments, has filed suit against one of the departments and three of its officers. Shelly White filed suit against the Rough & Ready Fire Protection District, Fire Chief Robert Vaughn, Captain Matt Wright, and Lieutenant David Hicks alleging sexual harassment and discrimination.

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Fire Law Roundup for May 15, 2023

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for May 15, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss a suit seeking compensation for fire academy recruits in the Los Angeles County Fire Department who were quarantined in a hotel during the COVID19 pandemic; ...

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LA County Facing Quarantine-Related FLSA Suit

The Los Angeles County Fire Department is facing a class action lawsuit that seeks compensation for fire academy attendees who were quarantined in hotels while not in class during the COVID19 pandemic. The suit was brought by a John Doe plaintiff alleging an overtime violation under the Fair Labor Standards Act and breach of contract under state law.

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San Jose Fire’s Pink Poodle Strip Club Case Won’t Go Away Quietly

The San Jose Mercury News has filed suit against the City of San Jose seeking to obtain records related to the fire department investigation into the Pink Poodle strip club incident and the reported discipline of members involved. The suit was filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court pursuant to the state’s public records law.

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California Jury Awards Fired Chief $4.1 Million

A Los Angeles County jury has awarded a former fire chief $4.1 million in damages for wrongful termination and an assortment of employment related counts. Former West Covina fire chief Larry Whithorn claimed he was terminated after a lengthy campaign by a handful of local officials.

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Fire Law Roundup for May 8, 2023

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for May 8, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss a suit brought by a woman who was injured in an altercation with an on-duty Sparks, Nevada firefighter; a race discrimination suit brought by a ...

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Nevada Firefighter Sued Over Altercation With Woman

A woman who was injured in an altercation with a Sparks firefighter has filed suit alleging battery and excessive force. Maureen Hvegholm filed suit against Timothy Egan in Washoe County District Court. The incident occurred last December and was captured on surveillance video.

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Memphis Fire Prevails on Intersectional Race-Gender Discrimination Claim

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a district court decision holding that the Memphis Fire Department did not discriminate against an African American female who sought a position as an "Airmask Maintenance Mechanic." Bridgette Franklin filed suit in 2019 claiming she was denied the position, and it was given to a less qualified Caucasian male firefighter.

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Demoted FDNY Chiefs Interviewed About Lawsuits

New York’s Fox5 interviewed three FDNY chiefs about the two lawsuits they filed against the city and Commissioner Laura Kavanagh earlier this year. The suits allege retaliation, age discrimination and violations of due process.

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