All SFD Officers are Speaking Agents of the City of Seattle

If a Seattle firefighter files a lawsuit against the City of Seattle, his or her lawyers cannot contact any SFD officer without the City Attorney’s permission and presence. All SFD officers, including those who have roles in representing their membership through the Seattle Fire Fighters Union (IAFF Local 27) or the Seattle Black Firefighter’s Association, are considered to be speaking agents of the City of Seattle.

Letter from City of Seattle Attorney’s Office stating on page 2:

• Employees whose titles indicate they are “officers” may not be contacted. “Officers” include Lieutenant, Captain, and any type of Chief (Battalion, Deputy, etc.).

Email exchange between City of Seattle Attorney’s Office and Plaintiff’s counsel highlighting that all communication between Plaintiff and his local representatives (IAFF Local 27 President Lt. Kenney Stuart and Lt. Doug Johnson of the Black Firefighters Association) went through the City Attorney’s Office.