Oregon Journalist Doubles Down on Feud With Fire District
An Oregon journalist who filed a lawsuit two weeks ago alleging a small fire district in Central Oregon violated the state’s public meetings law, has now filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging the district and several of its officials violated his First…
Buffalo Agrees to $5.9 Million Settlement in Firefighter LODD Lawsuit
The City of Buffalo has agreed to pay nearly $6 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit arising out of the March 1, 2023 fire that claimed the life of Buffalo Firefighter Jason Arno. The settlement was announced just before a jury trial was scheduled to beg…
Fire Law Roundup for May 11, 2026
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for May 11, 2026, Brad and Curt discuss a suit filed by a former Texas chief against the city, elected official and the union following the dismissal of criminal charges that led to his ouster; a civil suit brought by the fa…
Former Brownsville Fire Chief Sues City Alleging Retaliatory Prosecution and Termination
A former Texas fire chief who was acquitted on some criminal charges and had others dismissed has filed suit against the City of Brownsville, its current fire chief, two former city commissioners, and the Brownsville Firefighters Association Local 970, allegin…
North Carolina Family Sues County, EMT Over Alleged Photos of Gravely Injured Patient
The family of a gravely injured North Carolina patient has filed suit against Onslow County and a former EMT, alleging the EMT photographed the patient at the scene of a medical emergency and shared the images with others inside the county’s EMS department.
Los Angeles Firefighters Union President Sues Mayor Bass Alleging Retaliation Over Public Criticism of LAFD Underfunding
Freddy Escobar, President of United Firefighters of Los Angeles, IAFF Local 112, and a Captain with the Los Angeles Fire Department, has filed suit in federal court against the City of Los Angeles and Mayor Karen Bass, alleging retaliation for his public criti…
Court Dismisses Part of Birmingham Firefighter’s ADA Lawsuit Over PTSD Accommodation
A federal court in Alabama has dismissed part of a Birmingham firefighter’s ADA lawsuit against the city, while allowing portions of the case to proceed. The suit was brought by Birmingham Firefighter Herman Walker, who alleges the city failed to accommodate h…
Washington Firefighter Alleges Years of Sexual Harassment and Retaliation
A Washington state firefighter has filed suit against her former department alleging a longstanding pattern of sexual harassment, retaliation, and a workplace culture hostile to women. Sheena Radder alleges she was subjected to ongoing sexual harassment by sup…
Fire Law Roundup for May 4, 2026
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for May 4, 2026, Brad and Curt discuss animal cruelty charges brought against an upstate New York firefighter who used a hose line to dislodge a cat from a tree; an appellate ruling that by violating the Louisiana Fire Servi…
New York Firefighter Charged After Cat Dies During Tree Rescue Attempt
A Spencerport, New York firefighter has been charged with animal cruelty following a failed attempt to rescue a cat from a tree that resulted in the animal’s death. Firefighters were dispatched to assist with a cat that had become stranded in a tree.
New Orleans Firefighter’s Suspension Voided for Violating Louisiana Firefighters Bill of Rights
A Louisiana appellate court has affirmed a Civil Service Commission decision overturning the suspension of a New Orleans firefighter, finding the discipline was procedurally defective under the state’s Fire Service Bill of Rights.
Oregon Fire District Sued Over Delayed Release of Board Meeting Minutes
A reporter has filed suit against an Oregon Fire District and four members of its governing board accusing them of repeatedly failing to make board meeting minutes available to the public within a reasonable time, in violation of Oregon’s Public Meetings Law.
Seattle Firefighter Recruit Sues, Claims He Was Forced to Resign After Training Injury
A former Seattle firefighter recruit has filed suit against the City of Seattle, alleging the Seattle Fire Department forced him to resign after he suffered an injury during recruit training rather than allowing him to recover and return to the academy.
West Virginia Ambulance Death Under Investigation After Surveillance Video Contradicts Initial Account
A fatal incident involving a West Virginia ambulance crew is drawing scrutiny after surveillance video surfaced that appears to contradict the initial account provided by EMS personnel. The incident occurred on April 16, 2026, in Elkview, WV, involving two emp…
Fire Law Roundup for April 27, 2026
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for April 27, 2026, Brad and Curt discuss a decision clearing a Kansas paramedic of wrongdoing for using EMS equipment in an attempt to save a fallen sheriff’s K-9; criminal charges brought against a Portland (OR) firefighte…
Kansas EMS Board Dismisses Complaint Against Paramedic Who Treated Police K-9
The Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services has ruled that a Sedgwick County paramedic will not face punishment for using EMS equipment in an attempt to save a fallen sheriff’s K-9. The matter arose from the November 2023 death of K-9 Bane, a Sedgwick Count…
Oregon Firefighter Charged After Child Exploitation Uploads Traced to Fire Station IP Address
A firefighter with Portland Fire & Rescue has been charged after investigators traced uploads of child sexual abuse material to an IP address assigned to a Portland fire station. The investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited …
FDIC: What is our biggest liability?
Here is the handout with the data from my FDIC presentation: What is our biggest liability?
Lansing Settles Bra-Related Gender Discrimination Suit for $325,000
The City of Lansing has settled the gender discrimination lawsuit brought by Firefighter/Paramedic Cecilia Major over allegations that she was singled out and repeatedly questioned about wearing a bra while on duty. Under the settlement, Lansing agreed to pay …
Georgia Firefighter Alleges Race Discrimination and Constructive Discharge Following Discipline
A Georgia firefighter has filed suit in federal court alleging that the discipline imposed on him after reporting a workplace violence incident was racially discriminatory and part of a hostile work environment that ultimately forced his resignation.