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

Tag Archives: Richard J. Forte

Utica Firefighter Loses Appeal of Termination

The appeal of a Utica firefighter who was terminated for engaging in lewd behavior in the firehouse in 2018 has been rejected by the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court. Richard J. Forte was fired following a police investigation into semen found on the pants of a female firefighter.

Utica Prevails in Appeal By Firefighter Terminated for Sexual Misconduct

The City of Utica has prevailed in its appeal of a lower court ruling reinstating and awarding backpay to a firefighter who was terminated for sexual misconduct on duty. Richard J. Forte was terminated following a bizarre incident in the firehouse in 2018. He was initially suspended without pay while the discipline process began, and later terminated.

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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