Virginia Captain Alleges Sex Discrimination, Hostile Work Environment, and Retaliation
A veteran fire captain-paramedic has filed a federal lawsuit against Franklin County, Virginia, alleging sex discrimination, a hostile work environment, and retaliation in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Captain Rena Clark Jennings filed suit against Franklin County Public Safety (FCPS), where she worked for more than 21 years.
The complaint traces the alleged discrimination back to a promotion process that began in September 2020. Captain Jennings interviewed for a captain position and was the only female applicant. She claims she was the most qualified candidate, citing her training, years of service, and the highest written test score. A five-member interview panel reportedly recommended her for the promotion.
Despite this, the position remained unfilled for several months. Captain Jennings alleges that when she questioned the delay, then–Fire Chief David Ferguson told her the county administration did not want the position held by a female and stated, “My hands are tied, I’m waiting across the street,” referring to the county administrator. Jennings further alleges that Chief Ferguson told others he was “too afraid to give the position to a female” due to anticipated pushback from the administration. She was eventually promoted in the role of captain in February 2021.
After assuming the position, Captain Jennings alleges she experienced ongoing sex-based hostility and discrimination. The complaint describes repeated reports to supervisors and human resources regarding inappropriate comments and conduct toward female employees. Among the allegations are claims that a fire instructor made degrading comments during a fire academy class, including referring to women as “Ho’s” and stating, “We have a hose for the Ho’s” and “Ho’s holding a Ho.” Captain Jennings alleges that complaints about this conduct were not addressed and that the individual remained employed.
The complaint also describes allegations of unwanted touching involving another male employee, including twisting a female employee’s arm and physical contact that made employees uncomfortable. Captain Jennings alleges that when she reported these concerns to supervisors and human resources, no corrective action was taken.
Captain Jennings further alleges that she herself became a target after raising complaints. She claims she was singled out for scrutiny regarding paperwork and leadership, while male counterparts were not treated similarly. In one meeting with human resources and senior staff in October 2023, Jennings alleges she was told, while the speaker laughed, “You are getting too emotional, you have to calm down, you have to calm down.”
According to the complaint, Jennings later reported experiencing sleeplessness and anxiety due to the workplace environment. She alleges that when she met with Chief Ferguson in October 2023 to discuss her concerns, no action followed.
The lawsuit also alleges stalking and intimidation. In March 2024, Jennings filed a stalking complaint after learning that a volunteer chief had requested tracking information about her vehicle and told others he was “having her followed.” Jennings claims her written complaints were met with threats and intimidation rather than investigation.
Captain Jennings alleges that then–Chief Mike Fowler escalated the situation during meetings in mid-2024. She claims Fowler told her that her complaints were “threatening” to her supervisors, suggested her professional relationships were inappropriate, stated that “Females in the Fire Department need to hold their own,” and labeled her a “failed leader.” When Captain Jennings asked for clarification, she alleges none was provided. She further claims Chief Fowler asked her age and shared an inappropriate personal story during one meeting.
The complaint states that Captain Jennings’ health deteriorated, requiring medication and later a referral for counseling. She alleges that despite continued strong performance evaluations—including one completed shortly before being labeled a “failed leader”—she was repeatedly described as such by senior leadership. Captain Jennings also claims she was frequently referred to as a “female supervisor” rather than simply a supervisor.
Additional allegations include removal of staffing support from her shift, denial of a take-home vehicle provided to male counterparts, schedule changes without notice, and reassignment of subordinates without her input. Captain Jennings alleges that actions were taken during the December 2024 holiday period that increased her workload and were intended to undermine her leadership. She also alleges that Chief Fowler stated, in reference to her position, “I want someone to quit or get fired.”
In February 2025, Captain Jennings points to a department-issued special occasion t-shirt bearing the phrase “Men of Fire,” which she claims further reflected a discriminatory culture. She alleges that by mid-February 2025, her health had declined to the point that she could no longer continue working and was constructively discharged effective February 28, 2025.
The complaint further alleges that after her departure, the department ordered special retirement honors for a male retiree while failing to recognize her, whom she claims was the most senior female member, the first female supervisor to retire, and the only female captain.
The complaint asserts claims for sex discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation under Title VII, seeking damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and other relief.
