Tag Archives: alcohol

Tennessee Captain Loses Alcoholism-PTSD Disability Claim

A Tennessee fire captain who resigned while facing disciplinary charges in 2021, has failed in his bid to claim constructive termination, disability discrimination, and violations of the FMLA. Newport Fire Department Captain Justin Gilbert claimed that disciplinary charges were brought against him due to his alcoholism, which was worsened by his work-related PTSD.

Fire Law Roundup for August 8, 2022

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for August 8, 2022, Brad and Curt discuss a New Jersey lawsuit alleging firefighters responded to a fatal fire after drinking at a local event; a ruling that dismissed a lawsuit challenging Los ...

Indiana EMT Claims Gender Discrimination Over Discipline

An EMT with the Wayne Township Fire Department has filed suit contending that her discipline for failing a random breathalyzer test was substantially harsher than that given to similarly situated males. Kimberlie Neal filed suit in US District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.

Arkansas Captain Resigns Following Arrest

An Arkansas fire captain who was charged with assaulting an Asian man outside a casino, has resigned. Benjamin Snodgrass turned in his resignation to the Bentonville Fire Department on March 23, 2021.

NJ Firefighter Injured By Apparatus Following Celebration Files Suit

A New Jersey firefighter who was injured last year in a mishap with an engine following an out of town celebration, is suing the department and several firefighters. Brian Smith was part of a three-person crew from the South Hackensack Fire Department that took an engine to attend a “wet down” party at the Fair Lawn Fire Department on June 23, 2018.

Newark Firefighter Loses Appeal of Termination

A Newark firefighter who was terminated in 2016 after falling asleep in a firehouse kitchen, missing a run, and testing positive for drugs and alcohol, has lost his appeal to the Appellate Division of the NJ Superior Court. Antonio Cruz had asked the court to overturn a decision by the NJ Civil Service Commission

Dispute Over Social Club Prompts Lawsuit Between Volunteer Fire Company and Its Leadership

A dispute over the viability of a Pennsylvania fire company’s social club has prompted a lawsuit to determine if the club should reopen. Three members of the Snow Shoe Volunteer Fire Company filed suit in June to block the social club’s reopening.

NYPD Investigating Non Arrests in FDNY Medals Day Brawl

NYPD has opened an internal affairs investigation into why no FDNY firefighters were arrested after a brawl broke out at a Bronx bar following medal’s day celebrations last week. The fight at Billy’s Bar near Yankee Stadium last Wednesday was between members of Rescue 3 and members from Ladder Company 49 - Engine Company 68.

San Francisco Investigating On-Duty Drinking Incident

The San Francisco Fire Department is back in the headlines with another news report about on-duty personnel drinking. The department is investigating an incident that occurred last September at Station 11 where on-duty personnel were hosting a party for a member who was being transferred.

Indiana Firefighter Charged With DUI in Response Incident That Killed Another Firefighter

One volunteer firefighter was killed and a second charged following a collision at the scene of an accident both were responding to in Daviess County. Members of the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department and Cannelburg Volunteer Fire Department were responding to the incident when...

Drinking, Sex, Sexual Orientation and Race Discrimination Top Fire Law Headlines

Last week was a very busy week Fire Law-wise. Besides the five headline stories I covered, there were a seemingly endless stream of additional cases that broke. Let’s take a quick look at several of the more important cases that otherwise would have slipped through the cracks.

DC Firefighter Assaulted At Scene Accused Of Being Impaired

A DC firefighter who was assaulted by several people at the scene of an emergency involving an injured child, is now being investigated for being under the influence. The incident occurred yesterday when firefighters responded to a 3-year old injured in a fall, but the child’s parents refused to allow a firefighter to treat the child because he appeared to be impaired.

Michigan Fire Department Sued For Whistleblower Violation

A Michigan firefighter who was terminated last August has filed a whistleblower suit claiming his dismissal was retaliation for reporting the fire chief for responding to an alarm after drinking. Matt Halicek claims his problems began last November when Clare Fire Chief Jim Chapman responded on a mutual aid run with alcohol on his breath.

Fired Texas Cadets Seek Reinstatement

In August, the San Antonio Fire Department took disciplinary action against six cadets for allegedly drinking during a lunch break. Four of the cadets resigned and two were fired. Two of the six cadets are now talking about what happened, and have indicated they are asking for their jobs back.

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