Jury Rules Alabama Captain’s Termination Lawful

Posted by: Curt Varone January 12, 2025 0 Comments

An Alabama jury has found that the city of Mobile did not wrongfully terminate or retaliate against a fire captain who was dismissed in 2022. Captain Rodrick Shoots was terminated and another captain, Jason Craig, was disciplined following the termination of a probationary firefighter.

Both captains as well as the probationary firefighter filed suit alleging race discrimination. The probationary firefighter also claimed gender discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, religious discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation. The case focused on a tattoo she has on her head and neck that violated departmental policies. Her case was dismissed last November. Captain Craig’s case was dismissed last year as well.

Following his termination by Mobile, Captain Shoots was hired at Fire Chief in Prichard. The cases have been covered here previously as follows:

Here is more about the jury verdict in Chief Shoots’ case.

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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