San Antonio Captain Claims Discrimination Over Long COVID

A fire captain with the San Antonio Fire Department has filed suit claiming he suffered discrimination and retaliation on account of disabling long COVID. Captain Kenneth Galan filed suit against the city alleging violations of the ADA, the Texas Human Rights Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and Texas worker’s compensation laws.

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Massachusetts Fire Department Settles FLSA Lawsuit for $101k

The Town of Brookline has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit that alleged that firefighter overtime was not being paid in accordance with the FLSA. The federal lawsuit was filed last year by two fire lieutenants, Brian Bergeron and Paul Trahon, who also happened to be union officers for IAFF Local 950.

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Fire Law Roundup for December 16, 2024

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for December 16, 2024, Brad and Curt discuss the $850K settlement of Houston fire captain’s claims over a nude video; an Alabama lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation; a ruling in Tennessee dismissing ...

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Maryland Firefighter Alleges Disability Discrimination

A Maryland firefighter has filed suit alleging the department failed to accommodate his disability by allowing him to remain assigned to a station with a low call volume. Mark Levy filed suit against Howard County and Howard County Fire & Rescue, alleging violations of the ADA and the Maryland Fair Employment Practice Act.

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Houston Settles With Firefighter Over Intimate Video for $850k

The City of Houston has agreed to settle the claims of a former fire captain over the unlawful accessing and sharing a nude video of her. An intimate video of Melinda Abbt was accessed and circulated among firefighters, one of whom was held liable last year for violation of a Texas law titled “Unlawful Disclosure or Promotion of Intimate Visual Material.”

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Alabama Recruit Alleges Sexual Harassment and Retaliation

An Alabama firefighter who claims he was sexually harassed by colleagues, and then ostracized after he reported them, has filed suit alleging sexual harassment, retaliation and negligent hiring, training and supervision. Zachary Wilkins filed suit against the city of Albertville alleging he was forced to resign after just six months on the department.

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Tennessee Captain Loses Alcoholism-PTSD Disability Claim

A Tennessee fire captain who resigned while facing disciplinary charges in 2021, has failed in his bid to claim constructive termination, disability discrimination, and violations of the FMLA. Newport Fire Department Captain Justin Gilbert claimed that disciplinary charges were brought against him due to his alcoholism, which was worsened by his work-related PTSD.

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Pennsylvania Fire Captain Falsified Credentials

A former Pennsylvania firefighter is facing criminal charges for submitting fraudulent training credentials and driving fire apparatus without a license. Steven Bartholomew, 55, served as a fire captain for the Paxtang Fire Company No. 1, a position he was given in part due to the falsified credentials he presented.

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Fire Law Roundup for December 9, 2024

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for December 9, 2024, Brad and Curt discuss criminal charges brought against an unauthorized responder who interfered with firefighting operations in Ramapo, New York; the settlement of a third reverse discrimination suit in ...

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Unauthorized Responder Charged With Interfering at Fire Scene

Police in Ramapo, New York have arrested a member of an unauthorized religion-based fire brigade and charged him with interfering with firefighters who were working to extinguish a structure fire on Nov. 27, 2024. Jacob Silberstein is facing 3 misdemeanor charges, obstructing firefighter operations, reckless endangerment, and obstructing government administration.

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FDNY Settles FLSA Overtime Suit for $4.3 Million

The city of New York has agreed to settle the FLSA overtime claims of 326 fire inspectors for a grand total of $4.3 million. The lawsuit was filed last year by 26 original plaintiffs who alleged they were not compensated for all hours worked; their overtime was paid on an amount less than their regular rate; and the city failed to pay overtime in a timely manner.

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