Fire Law Roundup for January 9, 2023

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for January 9, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss a ruling out of Montgomery, Alabama upholding the resignation of a chief officer who claims be was constructively discharged; a claim my a Mobile firefighter ...

Alabama Firefighter Terminated For Tattoo and Grooming Violations

A Mobile firefighter who claims she was told to grow her hair to cover a tattoo on her head, was nevertheless terminated after a complaint was filed over her hair. Kay’Ana Adams was fired by the Mobile Fire Department late last year.

Florida Firefighter Group Questions Hair Policy

An advocacy group is claiming that a Jacksonville firefighter was wrongfully sent home allegedly because of his hair, but actually because of his race. The Jacksonville Brotherhood of Firefighters brought the issue to light publicly.

Court Upholds Termination of Medic Fired For Lying on Application

A decision to terminate a Georgia paramedic who sought a religious accommodation for facial hair, has been upheld by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals because he falsified his employment application. The case was brought by Bataski Bailey, who was hired and fired by Metro Ambulance Services dba American Medical Response in 2015.

Judge Denies TRO To Atlantic City Firefighter Over Religious Beard

A US District Court judge has denied a request for a temporary restraining order against the Atlantic City Fire Department to block disciplinary proceedings against a firefighter who has refused to shave his beard due to his religious beliefs. Alexander Smith filed suit claiming the fire department’s rules prohibiting beards discriminates against him on account of his religion.

Four FDNY Firefighters Challenge Shaving Requirement As Discriminatory

Four African American firefighters have filed suit against the City of New York challenging FDNY’s requirement that they be “clean shaven”. The firefighters claim the city's policy is part of a deliberate effort to “thin the ranks of African American firefighters.”

Utica Fire Chief’s Son Sues City For Discrimination

The son of Utica, New York Fire Chief Russell Brooks has filed suit against the city claiming he is being discriminated against on account of his religion and gender over the length of his hair. John Brooks, a Utica firefighter, filed suit in US District Court in December accusing the city of discrimination.

Illinois Local Files Unfair Labor Practice Over Grooming Policy

Firefighters in Elgin, Illinois have filed an unfair labor practice charge against the city over the fire department’s enforcement of a grooming policy with regard to three union officials who were growing their hair to protest 25 months without a collective bargaining agreement.

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