Opinion ID: 2025020
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Resignations from the Fire Department

Text: In February 1994, both Lundquist and Grove resigned from the fire department. Both stated initially that they were resigning for medical reasons in order to receive retirement benefits under their pension plan. Lundquist submitted a letter from his doctor stating that due to a shoulder injury it is impossible for [him] to perform the duties of a fireman. Grove stated that he could no longer stay with the fire department because he had Ménière's disease, a disease of the middle ear that affects balance. Both Lundquist and Grove now claim, however, that they are physically able to do the job of a firefighter, but resigned only because of the harassment. Hedglin resigned in 1995, telling the fire department that he was quitting because of his hearing loss. Hedglin provided the department with a letter from his doctor, stating that he would have progressive hearing loss if he    continues to be exposed to high decibel levels during the course of his fire fighting. Like Lundquist and Grove, Hedglin now claims that he would not have resigned absent the harassment.