Two former firefighters are accusing the Harmony Fire District and its chief of firing them from their volunteer posts after they voiced concern that women were not being treated as equals. Linda Ferragamo and Kimberly Perreault filed suit in federal court against the Glocester-based fire district and its chief, Stuart D. Pearson.
The women, who live in North Scituate, accuse the district and Pearson of violating state and federal gender discrimination and retaliation laws.
They are seeking unspecified damages and to be restored to their positions. They ask the court to permanently bar the district from violating gender bias laws.
They are being represented by Sonja L. Deyoe, a volunteer lawyer with the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union.