Florida Fire Officers Allege Civil Rights Violations

Posted by: Curt Varone September 11, 2024 0

Two former Niceville fire officers have filed suit alleging they were wrongfully terminated and were retaliated against in violation of their First and Fourteenth amendment rights. Lieutenant Timothy Sallee and Battalion Chief Shawn Curry filed suit in US District Court for the Northern District of Florida naming the city and city manager David Deitch as defendants.

The complaint alleges a complex fact pattern involving city resistance to the formation of an IAFF local; allegations of a hostile work environment; allegations of fabricated charges being leveled against Sallee; two requests by BC Curry to be demoted back to lieutenant in order to be protected by the newly formed local; and the ultimate termination of both Lt. Sallee and BC Curry.

An article by the Midbaynews.com explains some of the details, but reviewing the entire complaint including the attachments is necessary to fully understand what is being alleged. The suit alleges violations of Lt. Sallee and BC Curry’s First Amendment rights to free speech, free association, and petition government for a redress of their grievances.

Here is a video about the lawsuit that could not be embedded. Here is a copy of the complaint:

US_DIS_FLND_1_24cv147_d26588846e565_COMPLAINT_against_All_Defendants_Filing_fee_405_reDownload

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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