Former female fire chief sues Hagerman FD claiming gender discrimination

Former Hagerman fire chief Nicole Pannhurst has filed a lawsuit with the US District Court claiming gender discrimination, a hostile workplace and retaliation, against the fire district and several individuals.

Pannhurst is alleging violations of her civil rights against the department and members including Tim Dunham, Corey Citarella, Louis Valentino, Mike McKasty, Carl Fargione, Mark Palermo, and Ralph Lettieri Jr. The individual board members are being sued both in their official and personal capacities.

The Hagerman Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners released the following statement: “The Hagerman Fire District and the Hagerman Fire Department are aware of the complaint filed against them and are unable to make a comment at this time due to the pending litigation.”

Pannhurst was the sole female in the Department out of approximately 119 members, of which about 40-60 are active. She has been a member of the department for almost 20 years and has risen through the ranks ultimately becoming the first female chief of the department. According to the lawsuit, she noted that "the work environment was professional and amicable" up to the time when she became chief in 2021.

According to the lawsuit, during the years after she became chief, the board “intentionally undermined” her and withheld information that should have been imparted. Actions also included overturning suspensions and her orders, ignoring reported violations of the Length of Service Award Program, and allowing LOSAP documentation to be submitted without her signature. She also alleges her replacement lacked the credentials the board required of her.

“Unfortunately, this is a classic gender discrimination case where the old guard couldn’t accept the new leadership of a strong well-qualified woman,” said her attorney Frederick K. Brewington of Hempstead. “There comes a time when the old boy's network needs to be questioned and this is that time.”

Pannhurt's lawsuit claims, due to past suffering she now lives with continued suffering, distress, pain, loss of self-esteem, self-doubt, disgrace, public humiliation, embarrassment, inconvenience, and frustration. She is seeking $4 million in damages plus punitive damages, costs and attorney’s fees, and injunctive relief.