Portland, Oregon Settles Assault Case Against Fire Chief for $5k

Posted by: Curt Varone April 20, 2016 0

A lawsuit filed by a civilian fire department employee that accused Portland Fire Chief Erin Janssens of assault has been settled for $5,000.

Brian Alcid, who served as a facilities maintenance supervisor, filed suit last October claiming that in December, 2013, Chief Janssens grabbed him by the neck and shook him during a heated discussion. Alcid sued Chief Janssens for $47,500.

The city investigated the incident and opted not to discipline Chief Janssens, although acknowledging that she did display “discourteous behavior”. The city also agreed to defend Chief Janssens and pay the $5,000 settlement because the suit arose out of work related activities. As part of the settlement, Chief Janssens agreed to write a letter of apology to Alcid for placing her hands on him.

Chief Janssens announced in January that she would be retiring this month. More on the story.

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.
© Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved. | FireLawBlog.com & Curt Varone | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
x

Check Also

Terminated Iowa Firefighter Alleges Due Process Violation

A volunteer firefighter in Iowa who was terminated last year, has filed suit pro se in US District Court for the District of Iowa claiming a violation of his Fourteenth Amendment rights. Paul Anthony Reed, Sr. filed suit today naming the City of West Liberty, the West Liberty Fire Department, the mayor, city manager, fire chief and assistant chief.

Fired Louisiana Firefighter Stole FDs Credit Card

A Louisiana firefighter who was terminated earlier this year, is facing charges that he used a fire department credit card to make over 180 purchases totaling over $14,000. Donald Anthony, Jr. 22, is accused of stealing a credit card belonging to the Mansfield Fire Department after he was terminated by the department in February, 2024.