Tag Archives: noose

Fire Law Roundup for December 29, 2023

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for December 29, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss an FMLA and disability suit filed by a terminated deputy chief in Georgia; a New Jersey firefighter charged criminally with a hate crime for showing ...

NJ Firefighter Charged With Hate Crime for Noose

A New Jersey firefighter is facing criminal hate crime charges following a noose-related incident in the Bloomfield Fire Department. Walter Coffee is facing charges of harassment with intent to intimidate on account of race or color.

Noose Assault Prompts Suit Against Washington State Fire District

An African American recruit firefighter in Washington state who had a noose placed around his neck by a fellow recruit, has filed suit against the department, several officers and the offender. Elijah Page filed suit in federal court against the Clark County Fire District 6, three chief officers, a captain and former recruit John Erickson.

Florida Court Rules Fire Chief Has Absolute Immunity From Liability For Defamation

The Florida Court of Appeals has ruled that when publicly reporting on matters within the scope of his/her assigned duties, a fire chief has absolute immunity from liability for defamation. That ruling came in the high-profile Miami Fire Department case from 2017 that involved firefighters defacing family photos of a colleague and placing a noose-like string on one of the photos.

Winston-Salem Fire Sued For Race Discrimination

Five members of an African-American firefighter organization called Omnibus have filed suit against the city of Winston-Salem and its fire chief alleging race discrimination and retaliation. Thomas Penn Jr., Delbert Hairston Jr., Gerrod Hardy, Ricky Brown, Eddie Forest filed suit on February 11, 2021 in US District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

Bad Week For Fire Law Headlines

While it is rare that we see good news in the Fire Law headlines, last week saw a number of particularly unfortunate headlines for the fire service. I noticed this as I was putting together this week’s Fire Law News newsletter, and searching for today’s Fire Law headline story.

Minnesota Noose Investigation Closed

An investigation into a noose left hanging in the locker of a Bloomington, Minnesota firefighter last June has ended with without investigators being able to conclude who was responsible. The crudely tied noose was found on June 15, 2020, prompting the city to request the FBI to investigate.

FBI Investigating Noose Found in Locker of Minnesota Firefighter

The FBI is investigating the presence of a noose in the locker of an African American firefighter in Bloomington, Minnesota. According to the city, a “piece of rope resembling a noose” was found in the firefighter’s locker on June 15, but not reported to fire department leadership until June 23.

Mississippi Noose Case Leads to Resignation

A Mississippi lieutenant who was demoted after a noose was discovered in his locker, has opted to resign rather than accept his discipline. Shelton Russell resigned from the Hattiesburg Fire Department after the appeal of his punishment was denied.

Fifth Circuit Rejects Houston Firefighters’ Appeal Over Noose Incident Suit

The US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against two Houston firefighters who claim they were discriminated and retaliated against on account of their race. Jesse O'Quinn and Albert Bennett, both African-Americans, claim their problems began in 2009 after O’Quinn reported a noose in a firefighter’s locker.

Former Miami Firefighters Charged Criminally Over Prank

Four Miami firefighters who were terminated in 2017 for their role in defacing photos belonging to a black fire lieutenant are now facing criminal charges related to the incident. The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office filed criminal mischief charges against Harold Santana, Kevin Meizoso, Justin Rumbaugh and Alejandro Sese for their role in the September 9, 2017 prank gone-wrong.

Six Miami Firefighters Terminated For Racially Offensive Behavior

Six Miami firefighters have been terminated following an investigation into a noose and sexually explicit drawings left on a black firefighter’s family photo. The incident took place on September 9, when a noose made out a twine was found draped over a family photo of a black firefighter.

Noose in Class Prompts Firing and Resignations in Florida

Four Pompano Beach fire recruits are off the job following an investigation into a noose found draped over the seat of the academy’s only black recruit. The incident occurred at the Pompano Beach Fire Training Center on the recruits' last day of training, June 7, 2017, but was not immediately reported.

Indiana Firefighter Sues Over Noose Incident

An Indiana firefighter who was tossed a noose during a training exercise has filed a lawsuit in federal court naming chief who tossed the noose. Marion firefighter Mikel Neal and his wife, Rachelle Fears-Neal, have filed suit against former Deputy Chief Rick Backs. The four-page complaint alleges a single count of a due process violation.

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