Tag Archives: Chip Comstock

Ohio Fire District Moves To Force The Closure of Motel

An Ohio fire district has filed suit to close an area hotel due to fire code violations. Cardinal Joint Fire District Deputy Chief Matt Rarick filed suit last week seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction prohibiting the continued occupancy of the Canfield Colonial Motel.

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First Amendment and Photography Question

Today’s burning question: If the First Amendment gives people the right to film us in public doing our job, doesn’t it also give a firefighter the right to film while on duty? Our chief says we surrender our First Amendment Rights when we are on duty. How can that be?

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Ohio Chief Accepts 90-Day Suspension

An Ohio fire chief has agreed to accept a 90-day suspension rather than face a disciplinary proceeding that could potentially have cost him position. Braceville Township Fire Chief Todd Garland was facing six charges related to an incident that occurred in June, 2016 while personnel were attending to a combative patient.

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Illinois Fire Department Sued Under Dram Shop Act

An Illinois Fire Department is being sued under the state’s Dram Shop Act following an incident last March where a woman was injured at a fundraising event. Christine L. Ornelas filed suit against the Onarga Fire Department, the Onarga Community Center and Robert D. Albrecht claiming she was injured at the 2014 Onarga Fire Department’s Cash Bash.

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Emergency Scene Photos and Expectation of Privacy in Gated Communities

Today’s burning question: I serve as the photographer for my department. In my station’s first due district we have a gated community. In the event of a response into the development, would the residents have a greater expectation of privacy from photo-taking since the area is gated? Answer: The short answer is the taking of the photos/video is probably legal, but the use of the photos/video is what is more likely to get you into trouble.

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Ohio Developer Sues to Force Township to Provide Fire and EMS Coverage

Today’s burning question: Our township provides fire and EMS coverage to an area that includes a city. City officials negotiated a tax incentive agreement with the developers of a new commercial shopping center that significantly reduces the tax burden on the property. Their generosity is now going to reduce our annual assessment on the property from $230,000 to $85,000...

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Shot Clock Reset on Toledo Sexual Harassment Suit

A well known sexual harassment suit involving the Toledo Fire Department filed in 2005 is back in the news because it has been dismissed… and refiled. The suit was filed by three Toledo firefighters who claim they were subjected to gender discrimination, a hostile work environment, and retaliation

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Fire Service Court – FDIC 2014

The Fire Service Court, Chip Comstock, Brad Pinsky, John Murphy and yours truly, gave a live 30 minute web chat at FDIC today covering a range of topics, from cops arresting firefighters, firefighters arresting citizens, guns in the firehouse, public ...

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Ohio Chief Prevails on Appeal

Congratulations are in order for Fire Chief David Fulmer and his attorney – Fire Chief Chip Comstock in their victory yesterday in the Ohio Court of Appeals reaffirming that Chief Fulmer’s termination in 2012 from the West Licking Joint Fire ...

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Ohio Fire Chief Wins Court Battle

  Fire Chief David Fulmer has won a major battle with the West Licking Joint Fire District, who sought to terminate him last fall. Chief Fulmer was terminated allegedly because he violated the district’s Internet-use policy. Common Pleas Judge Thomas ...

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Fire Service Court Radio

Here is the latest edition of the Fire Service Court web radio show. Listen to internet radio with fireengineeringtalkradio on Blog Talk Radio

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