New Proceedings in Florida Firefighter Waterboarding Case
The fallout from the Marion County Fire and Rescue hazing incident continues with headlines indicating that the victim of the hazing plans to sue, and two of the ten fired firefighters have filed grievances challenging their dismissal.
Judge Overturns $700k Jury Verdict in California Fire Captain Discrimination Case
A Kern County Superior Court judge has overturned a jury verdict entered last November in a long-running employment discrimination case brought by a Bakersfield Fire Department captain. The court granted the City’s motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdi…
Fire Law Roundup for January 19, 2026
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for January 19, 2026, Brad and Curt discuss a decision by a federal district court in Ohio dismissing federal constitutional claims arising out of a lawsuit involving the emergency medical response to a self-inflicted gunsho…
Ohio Federal Court Dismisses Federal Claims in EMS Response Lawsuit; State Claims Remanded
A federal district court has dismissed the federal constitutional claims arising out of a lawsuit involving the emergency medical response to a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Marion, Ohio, while remanding the remaining state-law claims back to state court.
Former Seattle Fire HR Director Files Lawsuit Alleging Retaliation, Whistleblower Violations, and Discrimination
The former Seattle Fire Department Human Resources Director has filed suit against the city, Fire Chief Harold Scoggins, and Public Safety Civil Service Commission Director Andrea Scheele, alleging whistleblower retaliation, discrimination, hostile work enviro…
Developer Sues Youngstown Over Emergency Demolition Ordered by Fire Chief
An Ohio developer has filed suit against the City of Youngstown, alleging that the city violated its constitutional rights when the fire chief ordered the demolition of a commercial building without prior notice or an opportunity to be heard.
Atlantic City Settles Firefighter Beard Case After Third Circuit Revives Religious Accommodation Claims
The City of Atlantic City has agreed to pay $400,000 to settle a long-running lawsuit brought by firefighter Alexander Smith, resolving claims that the Atlantic City Fire Department violated federal law by refusing to allow him to wear a beard as an expression…
California Fire Department Sued for Alleged Gender Discrimination and Failure to Promote
A female firefighter with the Big Bear Fire Authority has filed a civil suit alleging sex-based discrimination and failure to prevent discrimination under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act. Brittania Huether filed suit against the Big Bear Fire Depa…
Fire Law Roundup for January 12, 2026
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for January 12, 2026, Brad and Curt discuss a state court lawsuit filed by a Lynchburg, VA firefighter after her federal lawsuit was dismissed; the settlement of an FLSA overtime lawsuit filed by single-role EMS personnel wi…
Lynchburg Firefighter Files New Retaliation Suit in State Court Following Fourth Circuit Ruling
A long-running dispute involving a Lynchburg firefighter has returned—this time in state court—following a Fourth Circuit decision last year that reopened the door for certain claims to proceed outside federal court.
Virginia Fire Department Settles Overtime Lawsuit for $365,000
A federal wage-and-hour lawsuit filed by single-role EMS personnel with the Fredericksburg Fire Department has been resolved through a negotiated settlement. The case was brought by EMS employees who alleged the City violated the FLSA by failing to pay overtim…
$3.25 Million Settlement Announced in Michigan Mistaken DOA Case
The city of Southfield, Michigan, has agreed to a $3.25 million settlement with the family of Timesha Beauchamp, resolving litigation arising from an August 23, 2020, emergency response in which she was mistakenly pronounced dead by fire and EMS personnel, yet…
Michigan Firefighter Settles Gender Discrimination Suit for $85,000
The City of Jackson, Michigan, has agreed to pay $85,000 to settle a federal discrimination lawsuit filed by Annie Wallen, the Jackson Fire Department’s first female firefighter. The settlement resolves claims Wallen brought under federal and state civil right…
Federal Court Dismisses Wide-Ranging Retaliation and Discrimination Lawsuit Against California City and Fire Department
A federal judge in the Northern District of California has dismissed a pro se lawsuit brought by a property owner against the City of Marina, its fire department, and several city officials, arising out of code enforcement actions taken against multiple proper…
Fire Law Roundup for January 5, 2026
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for January 5, 2026, Brad and Curt discuss a ruling upholding the dismissal of a suit brought by a Boston firefighter seeking to stop the city from terminating him; an appellate decision upholding a trial court order requiri…
Massachusetts Appeals Court Affirms Dismissal of Boston Firefighter’s Injunction Lawsuit
The Massachusetts Appeals Court has affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Boston firefighter Casley Bailey seeking to halt disciplinary proceedings that ultimately resulted in his termination. Bailey filed suit in Superior Court seeking to stay the Bost…
Pennsylvania Court Affirms Order Requiring Fire Company to Turn Over Apparatus and Contempt Citation
The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania has affirmed two trial-court orders in a dispute between Tobyhanna Township and the Tobyhanna Township Volunteer Fire Company concerning ownership and control of fire apparatus, equipment, and firehouses following the fir…
2025 Annual Review
In this edition of Fire Law VLOG, we review the five most important cases of 2025, and the top five YCMTSU stories of 2025. Also discussed is a novel that will be released in 2026, titled The Judgment Line. Stay tuned for more details. Wishing everyone a happy…
California Deputy Fire Chief Files Disability Harassment Lawsuit
A deputy fire chief with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District has filed suit alleging disability-based harassment, failure to investigate, and failure to prevent discrimination, all in violation of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. The suit …
Former Cambria Fire Chief Reaches $200,000 Settlement Following Termination
The former fire chief of Cambria has reached a $200,000 settlement with the Cambria Community Services District stemming from his 2023 termination. The settlement was unanimously approved Monday by the district’s five-member board.