Emergency service workers provide incredibly valuable service to their local communities. Anything in the workplace that might detract from their ability to provide essential services must be stopped. One California firefighter paramedic became involved in a case of unfair termination, as she was fired for being a woman. In addition to being fired, the woman experienced a hostile environment in the firehouse.

The woman involved in the case was a true trailblazer; she was the first woman to go through the Carlsbad training program for firefighter paramedics. Being able to serve her community really excited her, as is evidenced by her exemplary performance in training. All was going well for her until she received was forced to sign a letter of resignation just weeks before she was about to pass through her probationary period.

Because she performed so well in her training exercises, she was shocked when she was told to sign a notice of resignation or face termination. She had no idea what would have warranted her removal from the fire squad. The only thing she could think of was that she is a woman in a field dominated by men.

Based on the advice she received from her union representative, she ended up signing the letter of resignation. Since she was fired she has accepted another position that pays a fraction of what she should have made in Carlsbad.

In addition to the wrongful termination, she experienced sexual harassment from her colleagues. One incident involved her superior making unwanted sexual advances.

The City of Carlsbad will soon be dealing with a $2 million gender discrimination and wrongful termination lawsuit. City officials have yet to comment on the case.

All this firefighter wanted to do was live and raise a family in the community she desired to serve. Enduring the physical demands of being a firefighter paramedic should be the primary qualification for the job. The California woman easily surpassed that hurdle, but found an unnecessary and unjust obstacle instead.

Source: ABC 10News, "Woman To Sue City Of Carlsbad Over Firefighting Job," Jan. 24, 2012