CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Five former Clarksville firefighters and their union have filed a federal lawsuit against the city and fire chief, claiming they were fired in retaliation for supporting a union campaign calling for higher pay and improved working conditions.
The lawsuit was filed March 3 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee by former firefighters Bryan Birkes, Larayza Collins, James Musumeci, Summer Pasco and Joshua Stevens, along with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3180. The City of Clarksville and Fire Chief Freddie Montgomery are listed as defendants.
According to the lawsuit, the dispute stems from a 2025 public campaign launched by the firefighters’ union to highlight concerns about pay, staffing shortages, facility conditions and “firefighter fatigue” caused by the need for a second job to make a living. The campaign included rallies, petitions, social media advocacy and outreach to local elected officials…