Tag Archives: boston fire department

Fire Law Roundup for November 13, 2023

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for November 13, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss an investigation report into financial problems with fire companies in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana who are accused of misusing $8.5 million in taxpayer funds; the filing ...

Termination of Boston Firefighter For Offensive Posts Upheld

The ongoing saga of Boston firefighter Octavius Rowe suffered another setback as the Massachusetts Court of Appeals upheld his 2018 termination for making a series of racist and homophobic social media posts. Rowe, who served as vice president of Boston’s Vulcan Society, claimed he had been singled out for discipline for his posts while the city ignored comparably offensive posts by white firefighters.

Fire Law Roundup for March 6, 2023

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for March 6, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss a volunteer theft case out of North Carolina; a Louisiana Court of Appeals ruling on cancer presumptions for firefighters; a Ninth Circuit decision holding the ...

MA Civil Service Rules Against Boston Captain in Promotional Exam Delay Case

The civil service appeal of a Boston fire captain over his right to sit for an upcoming promotional examination for district chief has been denied by the Massachusetts Civil Service Commission. Captain Kevin Ranahan filed the appeal after he was denied the opportunity to take the district chief exam scheduled for March 25, 2023.

Mass Civil Service Commission Renders a Split Decision in Boston Discipline Case

The Massachusetts Civil Service Commission has upheld in part, and reversed in part, discipline of a Boston firefighter on charges of insubordination, unbecoming behavior, and being absent without leave.

Boston Firefighter Seeks $8.3 Million Over COVID Vaccine Suspension

A Boston firefighter who was placed on unpaid leave due to his failure to comply with the city’s COVID vaccination requirements has filed suit seeking $8,342,068.00 in damages from the city. Michael Browder Jr. filed suit in Suffolk County Superior Court yesterday.

Massachusetts Consent Decree on Racial Quotas to Expire at the End of 2024

A federal court has ruled that a fifty-year-old consent decree that mandated strict race-conscious hiring quotas for Massachusetts fire departments has achieved its intended goals in all but three communities, and will be terminated on December 31, 2024. The consent decree was the result of a series of lawsuits brought in the early 1970s by the Boston Chapter of the NAACP.

Massachusetts Firefighters With Cancer Sue AFFF and PPE Manufacturers

Fifteen current and former Massachusetts firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer have filed suit against 25 defendants alleging they were exposed to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through their exposure to AFFF and to PFAS in their turnout gear. The firefighters are from five fire departments: Boston, Brockton, Fall River, Norwood, and Worcester.

Court Upholds Termination of Boston Firefighter

A Massachusetts judge has rejected the appeal of a Boston firefighter who was terminated over a series a racist and homophobic social media posts. Octavius Rowe, a 15-year veteran, was fired by the Boston Fire Department on April 30, 2018 following a lengthy investigation.

Boston and Providence Settle Sexual Harassment Claims for $3.2 Million and $115k Respectively

Two New England cities are in the Fire Law news with settlements of sexual harassment claims resulting in large payouts to female firefighters. In Boston, attorneys for former firefighter Nathalie Fontanez announced that she has accepted a $3.2 million settlement of her sexual harassment and retaliation claims.

Collateral Damage Discipline of Boston Lieutenants Reversed

In a particularly blunt decision, the Massachusetts Civil Service Commission has overturned the discipline of two Boston fire lieutenants referring to them as “collateral damage for what appears to be a strategic move to counter” race discrimination allegations. Lt Marc Hayhurst and Lt Brian Summering were suspended for two tours each.

Use of Racial Slur Warrants Termination of Boston Jake

The Massachusetts Civil Service Commission has upheld the termination of a Boston firefighter for his use of the N-word in the firehouse while off-duty. Gregory R. LaVallee, a 14-year veteran of the Boston Fire Department, was terminated on March 15, 2019 over an incident that occurred on December 13, 2018.

Boston Firefighter Challenges Civil Service Ruling on Termination

A Boston firefighter who was fired last year over incendiary social media posts has filed suit to challenge a state civil service ruling that upheld his termination. Octavius Rowe was fired by the Boston Fire Department on April 30, 2018 following a lengthy investigation.

Termination Of Boston Firefighter For Outrageous Social Media Posts Upheld by Civil Service

The Massachusetts Civil Service Commission has upheld the termination of an outspoken African American firefighter from Boston who was terminated for his offensive social media posts. Octavius Rowe, a 15 year veteran, was fired on April 30, 2018 after a lengthy investigation.

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