Fire Law Roundup

Fire Law Roundup for January 19, 2026

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for January 19, 2026, Brad and Curt discuss a decision by a federal district court in Ohio dismissing federal constitutional claims arising out of a lawsuit involving the emergency medical response to a self-inflicted gunshot wound; a lawsuit filed by the former Human Resources Director for the Seattle Fire Department alleging whistleblower retaliation, discrimination, hostile work environment, wrongful termination, and public records violations; a suit filed by an Ohio developer against the City of Youngstown, alleging that the city violated its constitutional rights when the fire chief ordered the demolition of a commercial building without prior notice or an opportunity to be heard; the settlement of a longstanding suit in the Atlantic City Fire Department over the refusal to allow a firefighter in a non-operational position to wear a beard as an expression of his Christian faith; a gender discrimination lawsuit in California; and a discussion about a policy dealing with sending sick firefighters home.

Ohio Federal Court Dismisses Federal Claims in EMS Response Lawsuit; State Claims Remanded

Former Seattle Fire HR Director Files Lawsuit Alleging Retaliation, Whistleblower Violations, and Discrimination

Developer Sues Youngstown Over Emergency Demolition Ordered by Fire Chief

Atlantic City Settles Firefighter Beard Case After Third Circuit Revives Religious Accommodation Claims

California Fire Department Sued for Alleged Gender Discrimination and Failure to Promote

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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