Editor's note: This story has been updated from the print version. It includes PDFs of the lawsuits. The links are at the bottom of the story.
Two Bryan County Fire and Emergency Services employees, including one who says she was forced to resign, are suing the department and its chief, alleging they were retaliated against for reporting a pair of high-ranking BCFES employees for policy violations.
The lawsuits on behalf of Lt. Sarah Bradbury and former Division Chief Summer Patterson were filed July 7 in Bryan County Superior Court. Copies of the suits were emailed to local media July 9 by an anonymous source claiming to be a BCFES employee.
Both “whistleblower” lawsuits name the department and Chief Freddy Howell as defendants. Both are seeking damages.
The attorney for both women, Brandy Mai, said Patterson client was "constructively dismissed," was constructively dismissed, meaning she was forced to resign.
In a press release issued Friday afternoon, Patterson was quoted saying she was "devastated."
“I have 20+ years of experience in EMS and a degree in emergency management. Being Division Chief at BCFES was my ‘forever job.' I worked with amazing professionals who took oaths and dedicated their lives to protecting and saving others. I couldn’t stay silent when I saw high-ranking members of our agency putting personnel and the community at risk. I’m devastated at being forced out, but I hope my voice can help others and keep our community safe,” Patterson said.
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