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A deputy chief with the Kansas City Fire Department has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the city, alleging he was subjected to retaliation after reporting what he believed were violations of compensation policies.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Jackson County Circuit Court, alleges that after Nathan Dougan reported suspected wrongdoing within the Fire Department, he was penalized through threats, interference with his advancement and reduced compensation.

Dougan is demanding a jury trial and seeking actual damages, including lost compensation and benefits, as well as the costs of litigation and reasonable attorney fees.

According to the lawsuit, Dougan — whose responsibilities include executive oversight of emergency communications and information technology functions — had raised concerns that KCFD superiors were misusing their compensation authority to retaliate against those who filed complaints or lawsuits. Dougan also had documented and reported disparities in leadership pay, the suit says.

Though he pursued the issues through the proper channels, the lawsuit alleges, Dougan faced derogatory comments and threats to his employment.

Both Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins, a fire department...

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