Civil SuitWhistleblowerWrongful termination

FASNY Ordered to Pay $369k to Former Officer

The former chief administrative officer of the Firemen’s Association Of The State Of New York has been awarded $369,000 for breach of contract, and may be awarded more on his retaliation claims later this year. David Quinn filed suit against FASNY in 2019 after his employment contract was terminated.

Quinn, who also served as treasurer of FASNY’s firefighting museum, alleges that his termination was due to his having complained about financial concerns within FASNY. He specifically alleged that some association credit cards were being used without proper authorization, in violation of the non-profit’s bylaws. The suit claims breach of contract and whistleblower retaliation.

According to the Times Union, Acting Supreme Court Judge Denise A. Hartman ruled that Quinn established his breach of contract claims awarding him $369,000. Judge Hartman also scheduled a trial in June on his retaliation claim, concluding:

“The court finds the circumstances and timing surrounding plaintiffs termination to raise questions of fact regarding the existence of legitimate, non-retaliatory grounds for his termination.”

More on the story.

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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