New Mexico Chiefs Accused of Assault on Subordinates

Posted by: Curt Varone June 13, 2011 1 Comment

Gallinas Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tobias Lucero and Deputy Chief Lorenzo Montoya have been suspended from the fire department following allegations of that they handcuffed and struck another volunteer firefighter with a crowbar. According to the victim the supervisors have taken advantage of volunteers before and threatened firefighters if they told anyone.

State police and San Miguel County Fire Marshal’s Office launched an investigation after the firefighter complained.  A woman is reported to have witnessed the incident, which occurred on Monday, June 6, 2011.

Deputy Chief Lorenzo Montoya told reporters that the allegations were not true.

Volunteer fire chief, deputy suspended: krqe.com

About Curt Varone

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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