Former Chief Grieves Refusal to Reinstate to Prior Rank

Posted by: Curt Varone October 18, 2023 0

A former fire chief in Florida is seeking to be reinstated to the department as a battalion chief. Scott Bullard was the fire chief for St. Johns County. He claims when he decided to resign as fire chief earlier this month, he was told by Interim County Administrator Joy Andrews that he would be allowed to return to his previous position as a battalion chief.

Chief Bullard has filed a formal grievance with the county commission, claiming the county violated the law by removing him entirely from the department. He is a 22-year veteran of St. Johns County Fire Rescue.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 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. 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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