Fire Law Roundup for March 26, 2023

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for March 26, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss a second lawsuit filed by three FDNY chiefs against Commissioner Laura Kavanagh over their demotions and/or reassignments, those one alleging age discrimination; a suit filed ...

Buffalo Firefighter Sues Colleague Over St. Patrick’s Day Assault

A Buffalo firefighter who was seriously injured in an altercation with another Buffalo firefighter following a St. Patrick’s Day parade last year, has filed suit alleging negligence, recklessness and battery. Derek Rose filed suit in Erie County Supreme Court, naming Richard Manley as the sole defendant.

Fire Law Roundup – May 23, 2022

In this week’s edition of Fire Law Roundup for May 23, 2022, Brad and Curt discuss a discipline case out of New Britain, Connecticut arising out of the overdose death of a firefighter; an assault case out of San Francisco; a new Oklahoma law allowing fire trucks to transport EMS patients in extreme emergencies; and a union free-speech case out of Port Houston, Texas.

Garrity and Threats to Increase Punishment

Today’s burning question: Last week one of our drivers was written up. When the employee in question went before the Chief and asked to appeal the disciplinary action, he was threatened with a harsher discipline if he chose to move forward with his appeal. Is there a chance this violated the employee’s Garrity rights?

Burning Question About Bully Bosses and Insubordination

Today’s burning question: My immediate supervisor recently called me into a conference room and berated me, called me a sandbagger and used numerous expletives (predominantly dropping the "F bomb"). It got so bad, the administrative assistant down the hall heard the berating and walked in because she was concerned about my welfare. As he was in the middle of cussing me I stood up to leave and was told if I left I would face discipline and that I was ordered to sit down or face insubordination charges.

Wisconsin Firefighters Face Discipline Over Cellphone Recording

Two Kenosha, Wisconsin union officials are facing suspensions for their role in a complicated case where a cellphone allegedly recorded a discussion that took place after they stepped out of a meeting with the fire chief. But the case raises a number of more complicated issues involving criminal law, evidence, and even a Constitutional question or two!!!

Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone