Tag Archives: bullying

LA County Captain Settles With Shooter’s Estate

A Los Angeles County fire captain who was shot by a disgruntled firefighter in 2021, has reached a settlement with the shooter’s estate. Captain Arnoldo V. Sandoval suffered serious injuries including paralysis in the shooting that occurred at Station 81 on June 1, 2021 following shift change.

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Georgia Chief Speaks Publicly About his Wrongful Termination

A Georgia fire chief who was terminated last month for allegedly bullying and disrespecting city officials, is claiming that he was actually fired for speaking up about staffing and budgeting concerns. Former Tybee Island Fire Chief Ronald Kendrick spoke with WJCL 22 News, denying the city’s stated reasons for his removal.

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Lynchburg Prevails in Gender Discrimination Suit

The Lynchburg Fire Department has prevailed in a gender discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed by a former female firefighter. Master Firefighter Mary Lynn Shumate brought the suit claiming that she was demoted in 2022 in retaliation for filing a complaint alleging a hostile work environment and bullying.

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Fire Law Roundup for November 6, 2023

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for November 6, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss an investigation into a South Carolina fire chief who put in for $42,000 worth of overtime; a petition for an evidence-related protective order following a ...

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Fire Law Roundup for April 10, 2023

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for April 10, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit out of Oregon; an investigation by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue into a hidden bathroom cam; the granting of summary judgment ...

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His Magesty’s Report on Values and Culture in Fire and Rescue Services

A report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services has concluded that bullying, harassment, and discrimination are widespread in the 44 fire service organizations in England. Titled Values and Culture in Fire and Rescue Services, the 59 page report reaches a blunt conclusion: “It is time for this behaviour to stop.”

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Philadelphia Firefighter Claims His Officer Harassed Him After He Suffered a Heart Attack

A Philadelphia firefighter who claims he was harassed and bullied by his officer after returning to duty following a heart attack has filed suit claiming disability discrimination and retaliation. Perry Lawrynkiewicz filed suit in US District Court claiming violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and the City of Philadelphia’s Fair Practices Ordinance.

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Illinois Harassment-Suicide Suit to Proceed

A lawsuit filed by the husband of a firefighter who committed suicide allegedly due to work-related gender-based discrimination, has survive a motion to dismiss. Daniel Zaboroski filed suit last year as the executor for the estate of his wife, Nicole Hladik.

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LA Firefighter Sues for Race Discrimination

A veteran Los Angeles City firefighter has filed suit against the city and up to 100 unnamed firefighters claiming he was harassed and discriminated against because he is African American, and then retaliated against once he complained. Firefighter-Paramedic Emanuel Brown filed the suit Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

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Podcast 22: Hazing, Pranks and Bullying in the Fire Service

In this episode, Curt and Linda Willing discuss the cultural and legal challenges associated with hazing, pranks and bullying in the fire service. Linda is a retired fire officer from the Boulder Fire Department and a noted author, columnist and lecturer. She is the author of On the Line: Women Firefighters Tell Their Stories.

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