A new lawsuit accuses Augusta government of forcing a firefighter to retire due to his age.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court this week by retired Augusta Fire Department lieutenant Anthony Galvin, 55, contends city officials told Galvin if he did not retire by Aug. 1, he would be fired.
Department spokesman Michael Meyers said the city had not been served with the suit Thursday and does not comment on pending litigation.
“As is customary, this matter will be handled by legal staff with all appropriate defenses being asserted,” he said.
According to the lawsuit, prior to being told to retire, Galvin was falsely accused of threatening a fire sergeant with a weapon. The sergeant later recanted his accusation and received a reprimand. Galvin was cleared but later city Fire Chief Chris James rescinded the sergeant’s reprimand, the suit said.