Pierz Fire Department

Pierz, MN: A lawsuit filed in federal district court in May 2006 concerning Jill Poepping's bid to be the city's first female firefighter. In 2003, Poepping was the first woman to apply to be a firefighter with the part-time department. Poepping said her application was rejected in 2003 and again in 2005 and she alleged that her gender was the reason behind the rejections. The city reached a financial settlement with Poepping for $60,000. The settlement includes an offer to Poepping to become a Pierz Fire Department firefighter upon completion of the standard physical and psychological evaluation. The city is currently involved in a hiring process to add as many as five or six people to its 26-member fire department. The department has one female firefighter, the lawsuit stated; who was hired after Poepping began legal proceedings. Mike DeRosia, Pierz city administrator, said the city was pleased the matter was resolved. (Jan-27-07) [BRAINERD DISPATCH: FIREFIGHTER DISCRIMINATION]

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