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Conviction of Delaware Deputy Chief Upheld
The conviction of a former Delaware deputy chief on charges that he engaged in sexual activities with an under-age junior firefighter has been upheld by the New Castle County Superior Court. Dwayne Pearson sought to have his conviction overturned because the charges were unconstitutionally vague, or alternatively that he was not in a position of trust, authority or supervision.
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Mass Civil Service Upholds Discipline of Springfield Lieutenant
The Mass Civil Service Commission has upheld the discipline against a Springfield fire lieutenant for attempting to use the department’s disciplinary system to “target” another lieutenant with whom he had a disciplinary history. The case points to the need for fire departments to have a well drafted discipline policy.
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LA County Prevails in Quarantine-Related Overtime Claim
An FLSA-overtime lawsuit brought against Los Angeles County by firefighter-trainees who were required to quarantine at a hotel while attending the fire academy during the COVID lockdown, has been dismissed.
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Fire Law Roundup for June 10, 2024
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for June 10, 2024, Brad and Curt discuss a NY firefighter charged with burglarizing the homes of EMS patients while they were in the hospital, an on-duty Missouri firefighter who was caught in a sex trafficking sting, the overturning of a conviction of a man accused of impeding firefighters, the settlement of a suit brought by an LA County fire captain against the estate of a former firefighter who wounded him before committing suicide, a concession made by LA County in a suit brought by a fire department life guard over the raising…
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Firefighter Accused of Breaking into Homes of Hospitalized Patients
A Troy, New York firefighter facing charges that he burglarized the homes of EMS patients he transported, is now facing additional charges. Devvan Farina, 39, is accused of breaking into the homes where he knew the occupant had been transported to a local hospital.
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NY Court Orders Dissolution of East Hampton Village Ambulance Association, Inc.
The Suffolk County Supreme Court has granted the request of the board of directors of a New York ambulance corporation to dissolve the organization, over the objection of members who sought to keep it going. Mary Ellen McGuire, Mary Mott, Laura Van Binsbirgen, and Suzanne Dayton filed suit naming the East Hampton Village Ambulance Association, Inc.
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LA County Fire Makes Partial Concession to Lifeguard on Raising Pride Flag
The Los Angeles County Fire Department lifeguard captain who filed suit last month challenging a mandate that he raise the Progress Pride Flag during Pride Month, has received a partial accommodation. Captain Jeffrey Little filed suit alleging that the county withdrew a religion-based accommodation, and found him to have violated the county’s Policy of equity.
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Man Accused of Interfering With Firefighters Prevails on Appeal
The conviction of an Ohio man who was accused threatening firefighters at an emergency scene has been overturned on appeal, at least in part. James K. Gaito was convicted of misconduct at an emergency and disorderly conduct over an illegal burn incident that occurred on April 14, 2023.
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Missouri Firefighter Caught in Sex-Trafficking Sting At Firehouse While On-Duty
A veteran Missouri firefighter is facing charges for soliciting a prostitute and drug possession following his on-duty arrest as part of a sex trafficking sting. Allan Gacki, 53, was on-duty working for Central County Fire and Rescue on May 16, 2024.
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Court Awards $700k in Attorney Fees in Nebraska Sexual Harassment Case
The seemingly never-ending saga of former Lincoln, Nebraska firefighter Amber Benson has finally come to a conclusion, with a ruling by US District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher awarding her $726,876.04 in attorney fees and costs. Hopefully.
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