Fire Law Roundup

Fire Law Roundup for November 24, 2025

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for November 24, 2025, Brad and Curt discuss our interview of the attorney who won a $31.5 million verdict for the widow of an Illinois fire lieutenant who died in the line of duty; a move by Utah lawmakers to reverse a 2025 Utah Supreme Court decision that limited immunity for firefighters and EMS personnel on routine 911 medical calls; and FLSA overtime suit brought by 18 current and former California battalion chiefs; a lawsuit  against the City of Tallahassee challenging the legality of the city’s long-standing Fire Services Fee as an illegal, discriminatory tax; a lawsuit challenging the Boston Fire Department’s hiring of firefighter cadets as illegal; and a race discrimination lawsuit filed by a Black firefighter who was harassed by a colleague who displayed a noose on two occasions.

Deep Dive: $31.5 Million Verdict in Illinois LODD Case

Utah Legislature Moves to Restore EMS Immunity After Supreme Court Limits It

California Battalion Chiefs File FLSA Suit Seeking Overtime

Tallahassee Sued Over Fire Services Fee Charged Through Utility Bills

Military Veteran and Advocacy Group Challenge Boston’s Hiring Practices

New Jersey Firefighter Files $25 Million Federal Civil Rights Suit Over Noose Incidents

Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 50 years of fire service experience and 40 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. Besides his law degree, he has a MS in Forensic Psychology. 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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