The Little Dixie Fire Protection District has denied the allegations of whistleblower retaliation and wrongful termination of former Little Dixie Fire Chief Eric Hartman.
The lawsuit alleges two counts against Little Dixie — whistleblower retaliation and wrongful discharge in violation of public policy — claiming former Little Dixie Fire Chief Eric Hartman was fired because he was about to report suspected “prohibited activity.” The lawsuit was filed on April 15 by Donald Weaver of Weaver and Associates in Columbia.
The Little Dixie Fire Protection District denied all accusations in both counts of the petition stating that it was lawfully justified in firing Eric Hartman, and it was Hartman’s own improper actions and omissions that led to his termination, according to court documents. The response was filed by Margaret Fowler of HelperBroom LLC on June 24.
The agency is demanding a trial by jury and has also filed a motion for a change of venue.
Hartman’s petition requested $25,000 in damages on each count and the reinstatement of Hartman as Little Dixie fire chief, including compensation for lost wages and benefits that would have accrued since May 15. In Count 2 of the petition, Hartman also requested all attorney fees to be paid by Little Dixie Fire Protection District.
A motion filed on June 24 by Fowler claims Hartman’s request for attorney’s fees are impermissible under common law.
According to the lawsuit, on March 15, prior to his planned start date, Hartman...
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