Tag Archives: COVID

Disabled FDNY Firefighter Sues Over Vaccine Mandate

An FDNY firefighter who suffered a severe allergic reaction to the COVID vaccine resulting in a career-ending heart condition, and who was denied an accidental disability pension, has filed suit in federal court alleging that the city violated his Fourteenth Amendment due process rights.

Ninth Circuit Reinstates Spokane Vaccine Case Back to District Court

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated a lawsuit brought by Spokane firefighters who sought an exemption from the COVID19 vaccine mandate on religious grounds, and remanded the case back to the district court. The district court dismissed the case back in 2022 ruling that the city’s enforcement of Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s vaccine mandate was valid.

Second Circuit Upholds FDNY Vaccine Mandate From Due Process Claims

The Second Circuit has upheld the suspension without pay, and in some cases the dismissal, of some 86 FDNY firefighters who refused to comply with the city’s vaccine mandate in 2021. The firefighters alleged that the city’s failure to bargain over the vaccine mandate, coupled with the failure to comply with the city’s normal disciplinary requirements, constituted a violation of their due process rights.

Pennsylvania Fire Department Sued for COVID-Related Wrongful Death

The family of a Pennsylvania woman who died from COVID on January 23, 2021, has filed suit against the local fire department and several providers claiming they failed to properly evaluate and transport her to definitive care the day before.

Former Sacramento Fire Chief Seeks $10 Million for Wrongful Termination

The former fire chief in Sacramento is claiming that his termination earlier this year was the result of retaliation by the city’s mayor. Gary Loesch seeks $10 million because Mayor Howard Chan wrongfully terminated him on May 26, 2022, and intentionally exposed him to COVID in retaliation for having challenged earlier discipline.

LA County Firefighter’s Vaccine Mandate Suit Dismissed

A lawsuit filed by a Los Angeles County firefighter challenging the COVID19 vaccine mandate as violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, has been dismissed. Marcia Wilson filed suit in April contending that she was being discriminated against on account of a perceived disability.

San Francisco Firefighters Fired Over COVID19 Vaccine Mandate File Suit

Twenty-one San Francisco firefighters who were fired for failing to comply with the city’s COVID19 vaccine mandate have filed suit alleging religious discrimination, failure to accommodate religious beliefs under California law, due process violations, and violations of their autonomous privacy rights. The suit was filed in San Francisco County Superior Court.

Family Seeking $100 Million from Rialto Fire Department for Wrongful Death

The daughter of a man who died last November, is seeking $100 million in damages against the Rialto Fire Department claiming medics wrongfully refused to enter a medical facility due to concerns over COVID. Joseph Angulo, 56, died on November 17, 2021.

St. Paul Firefighters Get Restraining Order Against Vaccine Mandate

St. Paul Firefighters, IAFF Local 21 has obtained a temporary restraining order against the city’s enforcement of its vaccine mandate. The firefighters’ lawsuit, similar to one filed by the union representing St. Paul police officers, contends that enforcement of the vaccine mandate violates the state’s collective bargaining laws.

Florida Firefighter Alleges Retaliatory Termination and Whistleblower Violation

A Florida firefighter who claims he was fired after reporting the misuse of COVID related funds, has filed suit alleging retaliation and whistleblower violations. Kevin Nelmes filed suit against the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District claiming that he was wrongfully terminated earlier this year.

LAFD Investigating Captain’s Vaccine Rant

A Los Angeles City fire captain is under investigation for a social media rant about the city’s new COVID19 vaccine mandate. Captain Cristian Granucci posted the video on YouTube yesterday condemning the city for enacting it and the union for being in "lockstep with total tyranny."

Dallas Firefighter Charged With Felony Theft For COVID Related Sick Leave Abuse

A Dallas firefighter who took COVID-related sick leave earlier this year, is facing criminal charges for stealing $12,548.86 in wages from the city. William Carter, 38, was arrested and charged by the Dallas Police Department last week.

COVID-Related Cases in the Headlines

Two COVID-related cases are in the Fire Law News. In the Northern Mariana Islands, nine firefighters who were terminated for refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccination, have filed suit claiming the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services and its commissioner, Dennis Mendiola violated their Constitutional rights.

Polk County Captain Charged in Theft of COVID19 Vaccine

A captain with Polk County Fire Rescue has been arrested and charged with stealing three doses of COVID19 vaccine intended for first responders. Polk County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that Captain Anthony Damiano stole the doses with the assistance of Paramedic Josh Colon in order to give to his mother.

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