SANDPOINT, Idaho — A paramedic, who was the first woman promoted to an officer rank in the Bonner (Idaho) EMS department, is seeking $3 million in damages for wrongful termination.
The Bonner County Daily Bee reported Lisa Grande was dismissed eight months after becoming a captain last February. Grande’s attorney said she was not given a good reason for being terminated and that she was denied the right to prepare for termination hearings. A notice of intent to sue further alleges Grande was discriminated against while working for the department.
At her captain’s pinning ceremony in February, Grande recalled how she became involved in EMS through volunteering before moving to Philadelphia and working in EMS. Grande served as a bench medic for the Philadelphia Flyers and Phillies.
“It is not often that a small service has the opportunity to have someone of Lisa’s experience and education join the leadership team,” Bonner EMS Chief Bob Bussey said at Grande’s pinning ceremony.
The claim is seeking damages for wrongful termination, loss of income and disruption to Grande’s career track.
Bonner EMS officials have not commented.