A volunteer firefighter has filed a lawsuit against Glenwood Hook & Ladder, Engine & Hose Company, Inc., and several individual defendants over allegations of sex discrimination and procedural violations. The complaint was filed by Andrew Greig on January 9, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
Greig, a resident of Nassau County, New York, has been a volunteer firefighter with Glenwood since August 2003, rising to the position of Chief of Department in November 2022. His tenure was interrupted on October 7, 2024, when he was suspended by Glenwood's First Assistant Chief, Donald Sinski, without prior notice or an opportunity to be heard.
The suspension followed an incident involving Kaitlyn Papasidero, a fellow firefighter who claimed that Greig ordered her to attend an ambulance standby at a high school football game—a task she declined due to personal plans.
Greig's complaint alleges that his suspension was discriminatory under the Fourteenth Amendment and New York State Human Rights Law. He argues that Glenwood's internal rules are biased against women and that his suspension was based on an unchallenged account from Papasidero without considering his perspective.
"In believing a female over a male...while accepting all the female's unchallenged evidence," the complaint states, "Defendants treated Greig differently based on his sex." The lawsuit also accuses Glenwood of failing to follow its own disciplinary procedures.
Greig is seeking compensatory damages for emotional distress and lost benefits, as well as reinstatement to his position as Chief. He also requests punitive damages where applicable.
The case highlights concerns about gender bias and procedural fairness within volunteer fire departments.
Representing Andrew Greig is attorney Matthew Weinick from Famighetti & Weinick PLLC. Case ID No. 25-151.