Changing the Fire Service One Lawsuit at a Time
The fire service has long been revered for its commitment to public safety, rapid response, and bravery in danger. But in recent decades, a powerful force has shaped the fire service's policies, procedures, and culture: the courtroom. Fire departments across the United States have found themselves defendants in a variety of lawsuits-ranging from employment discrimination and sexual harassment to civil rights violations and failure to train or supervise. As a result, legal rulings have forced departments to reevaluate and modernize their practices, making litigation a driving force for systemic change. This class explores how litigation and case law have altered the landscape of the fire service, one lawsuit at a time.
