WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. — A former Wilson County firefighter and union president has filed a federal lawsuit alleging he was fired for speaking publicly about firefighter staffing and safety concerns.
Colton Young and the Wilson County Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 4238, filed the lawsuit July 31 against Wilson County, the Wilson County Emergency Management Agency and two WEMA officials, WTVF reported.
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The lawsuit alleges Young’s termination violated his First Amendment rights and discouraged other WEMA employees from raising concerns about department operations.
Young joined Wilson County in 2015 and became a full-time advanced EMT and firefighter in 2016, according to the complaint. He was elected president of Local 4238 in 2022 and promoted to fire lieutenant the following year.
In early 2025, the union began asking county officials to increase staffing on WEMA fire engines from two firefighters to three. The union cited a National Fire Protection Association standard calling for four firefighters.
Young addressed the issue during a county committee meeting, participated in media interviews and contacted county commissioners.
According to the lawsuit, Young was notified Dec. 1 that he was under investigation for alleged “disrespectful behavior.” He was later suspended and instructed not to contact other county employees without permission, WTVF reported.
WEMA fired Young on Dec. 12. The complaint states that WEMA Director Joey Cooper initially told Young he was being terminated for speaking with another union member while the no-contact order was in place.
A subsequent dismissal letter also cited messages Young sent to county officials about staffing and employee morale. Young and the union contend he made the statements as a private citizen and union president while addressing matters of public concern.
“No firefighter should ever have to choose between protecting the public and protecting their career,” IAFF 14th District Vice President Danny Todd said.
The lawsuit alleges Young’s firing caused Local 4238 to lose approximately 15% of its membership and led the union to stop its campaign for increased staffing, according to WTVF.
Young and the union are seeking back pay, benefits, reinstatement or front pay, damages and attorneys’ fees.
