Former Wilson County Fire Fighters Association Local 4238 President Colton Young has filed a federal lawsuit against Wilson County, Tennessee, alleging he was wrongfully terminated for exercising his constitutional rights.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, alleges Young was fired after he raised concerns about the department’s staffing levels and the risks they posed to fire fighters and the public. The lawsuit is being brought under the IAFF’s Guardian Policy.
“Colton Young being targeted by management for wanting staffing that comes closer to national standards and strengthens public safety is wrong,” said IAFF 14th District Vice President Danny Todd. “No fire fighter should ever have to choose between protecting the public and protecting their career. The IAFF will continue to stand with Colton as we fight to overturn his unlawful termination.”
According to the court filing, Local 4238 launched a public campaign to increase department staffing in early 2025 after determining Wilson County Emergency Management Agency (WEMA) staffing levels jeopardized fire fighter safety and delayed emergency operations. At the time, county fire engines were routinely staffed with only two fire fighters, despite the National Fire Protection Association 1750 (Formerly 1710) standard calling for four-person engine companies for career fire departments.
No fire fighter should ever have to choose between protecting the public and protecting their career. The IAFF will continue to stand with Colton as we fight to overturn his unlawful termination.
14th District Vice President Danny Todd
The Local’s campaign centered on adding a third fire fighter to each engine as a first step. Young and Local 4238 members encouraged residents to contact county commissioners, issued a press release, gave media interviews, and met directly with elected officials to explain how staffing shortages impact emergency response and public safety.
“Our Local leaders advocate every day for safer working conditions and stronger emergency response by seeking adequate staffing. This is a basic union principle,” said Todd.
The lawsuit alleges county officials became increasingly hostile toward Local 4238 members as the staffing campaign gained public attention. After Young communicated directly with a county commissioner about staffing concerns, he was placed under investigation and, ultimately, terminated in December of 2025.
Young’s dismissal letter cited several communications he made as Local president – including emails and messages to elected officials about staffing – as grounds for his termination. Young and Local 4238 contend that those communications were constitutionally protected union activity because he made them while off duty, speaking as a private citizen and Local president.
“The First Amendment protects the right of fire fighters to speak out, advocate for safer working conditions, and represent their fellow members without fear of retaliation,” said Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Association President Matthew Tomek.
“When a fire fighter is punished for exercising those constitutional rights, it threatens not only that individual but every public employee who serves their community.”
The IAFF Guardian Policy provides legal support to IAFF members, helping ensure fire fighters can speak on matters of public safety and advocate for their communities without fear of retaliation or wrongful termination.
The IAFF is actively lobbying Congress to pass the Public Safety Officer Free Speech Act. This bipartisan legislation would reaffirm fire fighters’ constitutional rights and protections to speak on public matters and engage in union activity. The bill remains a top legislative priority.
Click here to urge your members of Congress to protect fire fighters’ First Amendment rights.
