Austin Fire Lieutenant Accused of Secret Recording of Women In Firehouse Locker Room

A lieutenant with the Austin Fire Department is being investigated for placing hidden recording equipment in a women’s locker room at a city firehouse. Neither the officer nor the station have been identified but the department has confirmed the lieutenant has retired.

The Austin Police Department’s special investigations unit is investigating the possibility of bringing criminal charges against the lieutenant.

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.
x

Check Also

Houston Settles With Firefighter Over Intimate Video for $850k

The City of Houston has agreed to settle the claims of a former fire captain over the unlawful accessing and sharing a nude video of her. An intimate video of Melinda Abbt was accessed and circulated among firefighters, one of whom was held liable last year for violation of a Texas law titled “Unlawful Disclosure or Promotion of Intimate Visual Material.”

Alabama Recruit Alleges Sexual Harassment and Retaliation

An Alabama firefighter who claims he was sexually harassed by colleagues, and then ostracized after he reported them, has filed suit alleging sexual harassment, retaliation and negligent hiring, training and supervision. Zachary Wilkins filed suit against the city of Albertville alleging he was forced to resign after just six months on the department.