If you’re a firefighter or medic, especially a volunteer, you’re able to do your job because the law grants you the ability to do it without fear of legal reprisal if someone decides you made a mistake.
That’s thanks to “qualified immunity” laws.
But two states have passed new laws that have the effect of eliminating that protection.
And it could mean firefighters and medics in those states are in major legal trouble if a taxpayer believes they did something wrong. They could be individually sued.
My guest today is Brad Pinsky. He’s an attorney in Syracuse, New York who specializes in this area of law.
He’s also a volunteer firefighter, and was named the IAFC’s “Training Officer of the Year.”
He is the author of the “Fire Department Law and Management Resource Manual,” and the “Fire Service Secretary & Treasurer’s Manual.”
Resources:
Brad’s article: Qualified immunity: How it impacts firefighters and fire departments
Article: Qualified Immunity for the Fire Service
Article: A volunteer fire department speaks out on civil rights law