Tag Archives: retaliation

Connecticut Firefighter Claims Religious Discrimination

A Hamden, Connecticut firefighter has filed suit claiming the city discriminated against him on account of his religion because he refused to do things like march in a Memorial day parade and raise the American flag. Ray Pouncey, an 18 year veteran of the Hamden Fire Department, claims he has been forced to endure a hostile work environment for years. Pouncey is a Jehovah Witness.

Read More »

Idaho Fire District Sued Over Elimination of Union President’s Position

An Idaho division chief who was fired after he helped organize a union and served as it’s president, has filed suit against a fire district and its commissioners. Division Chief Timothy McDermott was fired from the Worley Fire District on November 11, 2014. His lawsuit claims that he was told his actions "irritated” the Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners prompting his termination.

Read More »

California FD sued for Sexual Harassment

A California fire department is facing a sexual harassment suit filed by a female firefighter who claims that she was driven from the department due to a hostile workplace. Andrea Waters filed suit against the City of Petaluma alleging she was subjected to a hostile work environment, discrimination, and retaliation.

Read More »

Florida Fire Department Settles Wrongful Termination Suit

Two Florida firefighters have received $80,000 settlements in their wrongful termination suit. Flagler Beach firefighters Shane Wood and Jacob Bissonnette were terminated last year over an incident that occurred in their station on Christmas day, 2012. Both were off duty at the time, but allegedly were in possession of alcohol in the station

Read More »

Memphis Fire Sued for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation

A Memphis firefighter who was terminated in 2013, has filed suit in federal court alleging gender and disability discrimination. Latundra Shinault claims that various officers in the Memphis Fire Department “made sexual comments towards her … belittling her” and “demonstrated a great dislike towards” her.

Read More »

Former Idaho Deputy Chief Sues for Wrongful Termination

A deputy chief who was fired in May by the Nampa Fire Department has filed a wrongful termination suit against the City of Nampa, Mayor Bob Henry and Fire Chief Karl Malott. Deputy Chief Doug Strosnider claims be was suspended and then fired because of his code enforcement activities at two apartment buildings...

Read More »

$444,000 Sexual Harassment Verdict in Florida Upheld

The 11th Circuit has affirmed a $444,000 jury verdict against the New Smyrna Beach Fire Department in favor of a female firefighter who sued for sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Firefighter/paramedic Melissa Smith was terminated in 2008 following what appeared to be a series of disciplinary infractions

Read More »

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

Read More »

Firefighters Claim Sexual Harassment by US Forest Service

A group of seven current and former US Forest Service firefighters have filed a wide-ranging complaint alleging sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and gender discrimination. The complaint was filed last month with the US Department of Agriculture, the parent agency of the US Forest Service.

Read More »

Retaliation Over the Formation of a Union

Today’s burning question: I work part-time for a small fire department in a state that recognizes collective bargaining for firefighters. We are in the process of filing a petition with state labor relations board to become recognized by the township for collective bargaining purposes. We have enough members to form the union and we have all signed the union election petition. Rumor has it that the trustees have found out and plan to terminate our internet/WiFi access, stop letting us wash our cars at the station, put renovations of the fire station on hold, and even cancel the purchase of a new engine.

Read More »

Jacksonville Lieutenant Sues For Sexual Harassment

A rescue lieutenant with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue has filed a sexual harassment suit in US District Court for the Middle District of Jacksonville, Florida. Lieutenant Candice Buckner claims she was harassed and that once she complained her problems got worse. She alleges that much of the harassment came from fellow officers.

Read More »

Shreveport Fire Bullying Case Sparks Suit By Detective

The strange bullying case that resulted in criminal charges against seven Shreveport firefighters including the fire chief, just got a lot stranger with the filing of a retaliation lawsuit by the police detective who headed the investigation. Shreveport homicide detective ...

Read More »