Tag Archives: Houston Fire Department

Mother Sues Houston Police and Firefighters Over Son’s Death

A mother whose son died after being tased and arrested by Houston police, has filed suit against the city, the officers involved in the apprehension, and five city firefighters. Meghan Sonnier Simms, the mother of Jermaine K. Sonnier, filed suit yesterday in US District Court for the Southern District of Texas.

Fire Law Roundup for August 29, 2022

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for August 29, 2022, Brad and Curt discuss a $31 Million verdict in the Kobe Bryant crash scene photo scandal in Los Angeles County; a ruling by the Wyoming Supreme Court upholding the ...

Houston Stretcher Tipover Case Dismissed By Appellate Court

The City of Houston has prevailed in a lawsuit brought by the family of an elderly woman who died after a stretcher tipped over. Elizabeth Dott, 94, died 8 days after she sustained head injuries from the fall in July, 2020.

Houston Prevails in Race Discrimination Suit

The Texas Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the City of Houston in a race discrimination suit brought by a probationary firefighter who was dismissed toward the end of his probationary period. Madison T. Garner filed suit contending his termination in 2016 was based upon his race, and that he was subjected to a racially hostile work environment.

Houston Firefighter Sues City and Union Alleging Discrimination Over Interracial Marriage

A Houston firefighter who was accused of making a racially disparaging remark about black women, and retaliated against when it was discovered he was married to black woman, has filed suit alleging race discrimination and discrimination on account of his interracial marriage. Nicholas Dahl filed suit against the city and Houston Professional Firefighters.

Houston Sexual Harassment Suit Reinstated by Fifth Circuit

The US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated a sexual harassment suit brought against the Houston Fire Department by a female firefighter. Melinda Abbt brought the action in 2019 after discovering that male firefighters obtained a nude video of her, and watched it multiple times over a period of years.

Houston Firefighter Reinstated Following Procedural Error in Drug Testing

A Houston firefighter who was fired following a positive drug test in 2019, has been ordered reinstated by the Texas Court of Appeals because the city failed to comply with its own procedural requirements to inform him of his right to request a "referee test.” FF Pete Cortez was selected for random urinalysis testing in January, 2019.

Houston Fire Dealing With Fallout From Housefire Social Media Post

The Houston Fire Department is dealing with the aftermath of comments made by a firefighter following a housefire over the weekend. The fire destroyed a home belonging to the Reed family, leaving the family of eight seeking shelter.

Houston Settles Sexual Harassment Suit for $275k

The City of Houston has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by the US Department of Justice on behalf of a female firefighter alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. The settlement puts to rest a contentious case that originally involved two female firefighters that dates back to 2009.

Houston Chiefs Prevail in Suit Brought By A District Chief

The dismissal of a lawsuit brought against two ranking chief officers of the Houston Fire Department by a district chief over a social media post has been upheld by the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. District Chief Steven Dunbar filed the federal court action pro se after he was suspended and transferred for a social media post.

Forced Closure of Sports Complex Over COVID Compliance Prompts Suit Against Houston Fire

The owners of a Houston sports complex have filed suit against the city’s police and fire departments after it was forced to close for violating Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order relative to the reopening of business. Sportsplex of Houston, Inc. filed suit yesterday naming the Houston Fire and Police departments.

Houston Prevails in Race and Gender Discrimination Suit

A race and gender discrimination lawsuit filed by the estate of a Houston firefighter has been dismissed. Margaret Roberts worked as a firefighter for the Houston Fire Department from 1994 to 2016. She passed away on January 4, 2017.

Houston Prop B Ruled Unconstitutional

In a stunning reversal that has plusses and minuses for both sides, Harris County District Court Judge Tanya Garrison has ruled that Proposition B that mandates Houston firefighters receive parity with Houston police officers, is unconstitutional. The decision was handed down today.

Motorola Sued for $145 Million Over Death of Houston Fire Captain

The widow of a Houston fire captain who was seriously injured in the Southwest Inn fire in 2013, and who died in 2017, has filed suit against Motorola Solutions, Inc. alleging deficiencies in the radio system contributed to her husband’s injuries and ultimately his death. Jacki Dowling filed suit in Harris County District Court on February 18, 2019.

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