Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone

Tag Archives: NY Compassionate Care Act

Buffalo Settles Medical Marijuana Suit With Firefighter for $242k

A lawsuit filed by a Buffalo firefighter who was fired for using medically prescribed marijuana, has been settled for $242,000. Scott Martin, a 12-year veteran of the department, was terminated on February 23, 2021. He is also an Air Force veteran who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Buffalo Firefighter Claims Termination Violates Medical Marijuana Law

A Buffalo firefighter who was terminated after testing positive for marijuana a second time has filed suit claiming the city violated New York’s Compassionate Care Act. Scott Martin, a 12-year veteran of the department, was terminated on February 23, 2021 following a random drug test on February 5, 2021.

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.

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