Civil SuitConstitutional RightsDisciplinary ActionDiscriminationEMSMunicipal LiabilitySexual HarassmentSexual misconduct
Providence Lieutenant Sues for Sexual Harassment
A rescue lieutenant from Providence has filed a 19 page lawsuit against the city of Providence and Providence Firefighters, IAFF Local 799 alleging sexual harassment and discrimination.
Here is a copy of the suit. Franchina v Providence
Providence firefighter files lawsuit
Well, well, well.
Sounds to me like Providence needs a new fire department.
What the Hell were these fools thinking?
Realizing we are only hearing one side of the story, I find it disturbing that these “firefighters” would 1) behave in such a manner 2) think their actions are/were without consequence and 3) that this would be kept quiet in this day and age of “social media. Nothing is secret for very long.
If even half of what the LT says happened is true, Providence FD is a VERY nasty place indeed.
My department holds annual EEO training and will not stand for behavior from employees as stupid and down right crazy as exhibited by these thugs.
I held my crew to a very high standard, reminding them that the person riding next to them might just be the one to save their life.
I hope LT. Franchina recovers and is able to lead a normal life in the future.
Pretty Outrageous and Inhumane Actions being “Allowed” by the Fire Chief to occur.
Over 40 plus complaints over the years, out right insubordination, threatening physical violence to a Supervisor from a subordinate, Failure to follow Patient Care Protocols (more Liability for the City and Penalties from the County/State EMS Agency).
My feeling is the Fire Chief and his entire Command Staff should be immediately fired and Outsiders brought in as replacements with “Iron Boots” to enforce the D&D Rules and NOT get caught up in the “Good ‘ol Boy” system.
His underlings should then be dispersed to new station assignments, irregardless of what the CBA says. Everyone gets a new station assignment/crew.
The Providence FD is bordering on dysfunctional from what I read and it looks like drastic action needs to be taken.
With this out in the Media, the Citizens of Providence have to ask, “What are they paying their Taxes for? Not for this I’m sure.
About 18 months ago the City of Fresno, Calif., FD ended up with a $2 Million Dollar award from a Harassment Lawsuit.
I hope LT. Franchina is able to get at least this amount and then the corresponding lawsuits from Patients receiving ineffective Medical Treatment in violation of established EMS Protocol’s take an equally large bite out of the City’s Budget.
Maybe when their Insurance rates go they’ll pay attention in the future.
As right now my opinion of the Providence FD is that it is an internal hazard to itself and outside to its Citizens.
Just to be clear;
The City of Fresno Had to Pay Out an Award of $2 Million Dollars to the Plaintiff.
Makes you wonder how they treat women outside of work. Those are some deep-seated issues that don’t just get turned off when they leave the firehouse.
That complaint is the stuff of nightmares.
Hope for the best for this one.