Keith Porter, a member of Emergency Services District 2 Local 4978 in Bexar County, Texas, is back on the job two years after being wrongfully terminated.
“I am happy that this situation has been resolved, and I’m able to return to work. I am looking forward to serving the community and helping where I can,” said Porter, an eight-year veteran fire fighter. “I am truly grateful for the IAFF and its Guardian Policy for making this possible.”
In 2023, Local 4978 raised on-the-job safety and procedural concerns that some felt were not being addressed. When their concerns went unheard, they planned to take these issues to the Emergency Service District Board of Commissioners.
Porter and another fire fighter put these issues in writing. But before they could present the letter, management terminated Porter, accusing him of insubordination and unprofessional behavior. .
“We believe that our members have the right to voice their concerns, and those First Amendment rights should be protected,” Local 4978 President Andrew Garza said. “We went to the IAFF for guidance to see how we could best help Keith. And they advised that he was eligible for legal assistance under the IAFF Guardian Policy.”
General President Edward Kelly approved him for coverage under the policy, citing a probable violation of Porter’s constitutional rights.
“The actions taken against Mr. Porter were textbook First Amendment violations as he was acting as a private citizen regarding a matter of public concern,” said Clark Gebhart, an attorney representing the IAFF. “Accordingly, we outlined our case in a letter to the fire chief and the fire district demanding that he be reinstated to his position.”
Further litigation was not necessary as Emergency Services District 2 Board of Commissioners and the fire chief responded with their own letter, offering Porter his job back.
“The IAFF Guardian Policy exists to protect our members,” 11th District Vice President Michael Glynn said. “I am pleased that our legal team was able to negotiate a positive result, and Brother Porter is back working with the Bexar County Emergency Services District Number 2 Fire Department.”
