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.
Stevens told a City Council member about the working conditions at the fire station, describing “mold on the ceilings, broken toilets and the general lack of upkeep,” the filing said. He also said Clarksville Fire Rescue wages were “significantly less” than neighboring fire departments.
Firings of Clarksville firefighters in July 2025
The complaint states that Birkes, Collins and Stevens were called to Fire Station 1 on July 8, 2025, and informed by Montgomery and other leaders that they were being terminated. Musumeci and Pasco were terminated in similar meetings on July 25 after returning from vacation and leave. They were not given a specific reason for dismissal, the lawsuit states.
Four of the five firefighters were just weeks away from completing their probationary periods. All five had positive performance evaluations and no prior disciplinary action, according to the lawsuit. Letters of recommendation praised their skills and dedication.
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Musumeci, for example, was described as “one of the best firefighters ever assigned” to his station. Pasco, ranked second in her recruitment class, was called “an exceptional asset to any organization.”
The complaint alleges that other firefighters in the same recruitment class, with lower evaluation scores and no union involvement, remained employed.
Alleged retaliation, CFR policy changes
The lawsuit claims the city discouraged union involvement. Birkes and Pasco reportedly received warnings from supervisors about union activity, with one lieutenant allegedly telling Pasco that joining the union would be “career suicide.”
After their terminations, Birkes, Collins and Pasco said they were denied access to a CFR training event that was open to their neighboring stations.
The lawsuit also challenges a policy implemented by Montgomery on Nov. 19, 2025, requiring firefighters to get approval from the fire chief or designee before joining outside organizations. The policy prohibits participation in any group that could “reflect negativity” on the city, which plaintiffs argue restricts union participation.
The lawsuit asserts violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments, including the right to free speech, association and petitioning the government, as well as violations of the Public Employee Political Freedom Act of 1980.
What plaintiffs are seeking
The complaint asks the court to reinstate the firefighters or award front pay if reinstatement is not possible. They are also seeking back pay, damages and attorney’s fees.
When reached by Clarksville Now, city spokesman Jimmy Settle said the city does not comment on active litigation.
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