Firefighter Sues Over Union Leadership | Charleston News

Charleston News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 29, 2026 · 1m

A fired firefighter and union president is suing the city, claiming he was let go not for his text messages—but for standing up for his fellow firefighters. The city blames inflammatory texts, including slurs and forwarding messages from the Fire Chief, but Baker argues those were sent off-duty as union leader, not as a city employee. His lawsuit alleges unconstitutional retaliation, demanding his job back with pay and a clean record. The International Association of Fire Fighters backs him, while the city stays silent as federal court prepares to hear the case—part of a larger, simmering…