Former Seattle Fire HR Director Files Claim Alleging Sexism, Drinking on Duty, and Retaliation
The former human resources director for the Seattle Fire Department has filed a tort claim with the City of Seattle alleging she was terminated in retaliation for reporting misconduct, on-duty drinking, and sexism within the department.
According to the claim, Sarah Lee, who served as SFD’s civilian HR director, reported multiple concerns to senior leadership before being dismissed. She alleges that in one instance, a fire apparatus driver was found with open cans of hard seltzer in his locker but remained on duty. Lee claims she raised the issue with the command staff, but that the firefighter was not immediately removed from service.
The claim also cites complaints from women in the department who reported harassment and a hostile work environment. One female firefighter allegedly discovered her uniforms shredded with a box cutter after filing a complaint about a supervisor. Lee asserts that these incidents were mishandled and that women employees told her they felt unsafe or marginalized.
Lee’s claim states that she had received positive performance evaluations over three years, but her employment was terminated after she pushed for disciplinary action in several cases. She contends that her dismissal was retaliatory, writing that she was “fired for doing the job she was hired to do.”
The filing alleges a culture within the department that tolerated misconduct and resisted accountability. It also describes meetings between Lee, the fire chief, and the SFD Women’s Alliance, where women reportedly expressed concerns about inequitable treatment.
The City of Seattle has acknowledged receipt of the claim but has not commented on the allegations. The filing is a tort claim, not a lawsuit. Under Washington law, a tort claim must be filed with the city before a civil suit can be initiated.
Lee is seeking unspecified damages. As of this posting, no lawsuit has been filed. More on the story.
