Meadville City Council unanimously approved a settlement agreement between the city and a retired firefighter that will cost the city $115,000 immediately and will increase the firefighter’s pension by almost $3,500 each year.
Christopher Gillingham will have his rank and pay reinstated to captain for pension purposes under the agreement that he signed on Friday. Gillingham, who retired in 2018 due to an injury covered by workers' compensation after 15 years at Meadville Central Fire Department, had been demoted from captain to firefighter in 2013, according to his lawsuit against the city. He subsequently filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Gillingham’s pension of $2,626.48 per month was based on the seniority of a sixth-year firefighter and will be increased to $2,914.77 per month, according to City Manager Andy Walker.