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New Mexico Firefighter Alleges Gender Discrimination and Whistleblower Retaliation
A New Mexico firefighter who was terminated last year has filed suit alleging gender discrimination and whistleblower retaliation. Deidre Maurino filed suit against Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue, the fire chief, the Human Resource director, and two officers of the department.
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Fire Law Roundup for January 13, 2025
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for January 13, 2025, Brad and Curt discuss a jury verdict that the city of Mobile did not wrongfully terminate or retaliate against a fire captain who was dismissed in 2022; the arrest if a Tennessee firefighter on charges that he used emergency lights and flashed his badge during a road rage incident; an appellate decision in New Jersey overturning the denial of an accidental disability pension to a firefighter; in filing of a lawsuit by a San Francisco firefighter injured in 2009, claiming the city’s racist practices and negligence led to his…
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Jury Rules Alabama Captain’s Termination Lawful
An Alabama jury has found that the city of Mobile did not wrongfully terminate or retaliate against a fire captain who was dismissed in 2022. Captain Rodrick Shoots was terminated and another captain, Jason Craig, was disciplined following the termination of a probationary firefighter. Both captains as well as the probationary firefighter filed suit alleging race discrimination. The probationary firefighter also claimed gender discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, religious discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation. The case focused on a tattoo she has on her head and neck that violated departmental policies. Her case was dismissed last November. Captain Craig’s case…
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Tennessee Firefighter Charged With Impersonating Law Enforcement
A Tennessee firefighter is facing criminal charges that he used emergency lights and flashed his badge during a road rage incident several weeks ago. Henry Riegger, 22, has been charged by the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office with criminal impersonation, reckless driving, and violation of emergency light law.
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NJ Court Sends Pension Denial Back to Retirement Board
The Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court has overturned the denial of an accidental disability pension to a firefighter, and sent the matter back to the state’s Public Employees' Retirement System for further consideration. Louis T. Madden suffered a career ending injury while at the scene of a fire on December 6, 2019.
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San Francisco Firefighter Seeks $125 Million Over Injuries Sustained at 2009 Fire
A San Francisco firefighter injured in 2009, has filed suit claiming the city’s racist practices and negligence led to his catastrophic injuries. Michael Estrada filed suit today pro se in US District Court for the Northern District of California alleging civil rights violations under 42 USC §1983, gross negligence, race discrimination.
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Widow Sues Mayor For Causing Chief’s Psychotic Break
The widow of a New Bedford deputy chief who has shot and killed by police officers, has filed suit claiming the psychotic break that precipitated the shooting was the result of two years of abuse and humiliation orchestrated by the city’s mayor. Jane Coderre filed suit in Bristol County Superior Court alleging conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and defamation.
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Fire Law Roundup for January 6, 2025
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for January 6, 2025, Brad and Curt discuss the arrest of a New York volunteer for calling in false alarms; an FLSA overtime lawsuit filed against a North Carolina fire department; the enactment of a law referred to as a Halo Law to protect first responders in Florida; a lawsuit filed against several parties including a New York fire district alleging a conspiracy to push through a cell tower; and a appellate decision reinstating an age discrimination lawsuit. Firefighter Accused of Calling in False Alarms Firefighter Accused of Calling in False Alarms North…
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Firefighter Accused of Calling in False Alarms
A New York volunteer firefighter is facing five felony charges related to calling in false alarms to 911. Cyril Uebbing, 23, was arrested by New York State Police following an investigation requested by the fire chief of the Hillside Fire Department.
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North Carolina Firefighters File Suit Against Fire Company
Three North Carolina firefighters with the East Lincoln Fire Department, Inc. have filed a class action lawsuit claiming the fire department failed to pay them overtime as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Adam Gant, Dale Bogle, and Brandon Auten filed suit in US District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.
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Halo Law Goes Into Effect In Florida
Move Over “Move Over” laws – there is a new approach to protecting first responders. The State of Florida has enacted a new law termed the “Halo Law.” While move over laws are aimed at protecting first responders on the roadways, the Halo Law applies anywhere that first responders are actively performing their duties by creating a 25-foot buffer zone to allow them to carry on their duties.
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Group Alleges Conspiracy to Push Through Cell Tower
A group of seventeen citizens from Wading River, New York have filed suit against several parties including the Town of Riverhead and the Wading River Fire District alleging a conspiracy to deprive them of their civil rights by pushing through a cell tower project without providing affected neighbors notice and the right to be heard.
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California Appellate Court Reinstates Age Discrimination Suit
An appellate court in California has reversed a trial court decision that dismissed an age discrimination lawsuit brought by an El Segundo fire captain. Captain Scott Martinez accused the City and Fire Chief Chris Donovan of refusing to promote him to battalion chief due to his age and because he reported certain improprieties.
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