AMITE, La. — A former fire chief who is suing a town and fire district wants to expand his case to a class-action lawsuit.
The Hammond Star reported that the lawsuit is asking for relief for all town employees who didn’t receive retirement benefits and that all firefighters with the Tangipahoa Parish (La.) Rural Fire Protection District No. 2 are considered classified employees.
Chief David Maurer wanted to amend the complaint after he learned the town failed to enroll 45 eligible employees into the retirement system from January 2013 to December 2014.
Maurer is also suing for wrongful termination; he was fired in July 2013 after he was made chief in January. He alleges the termination was done without due process. He also said the town owes him overtime pay.
An attorney representing the fire district said Maurer’s amendment request was made too late in the lawsuit.
“We just think that’s excessive,” attorney Glen Galbraith said. “It still won’t have any merit.”
If Maurer’s amendment is accepted, the fire district would have to pay into the retirement system and credit class members for retirement contributions. Maurer is also asking to be reinstated as chief or be monetarily compensated.
The hearing is scheduled for Dec. 2 and the jury trial is set for July 11.