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The Seattle Fire Department’s former Head of Human Resources has filed a $2.5million claim against the city, alleging she was terminated after repeatedly flagging misconduct, sexual harassment, and safety lapses within the department.
Sarah Lee, a veteran attorney and former Seattle City Attorney’s Office lawyer, said she faced retaliation for trying to ensure the department handled its internal issues legally and appropriately.
“She herself was subject to retaliation for bringing these issues to the forefront and trying to get the department to properly and legally handle these issues,” her claim states.
A spokesperson for the Seattle Fire Department declined to comment while the claim is pending.
Allegations of harassment, retaliation, and safety failures
Lee’s complaint describes a culture of misconduct and unequal treatment toward women. In one case, a female firefighter reported sexual harassment by a lieutenant. An investigation found that the officer violated policy, yet he received only an eight-day suspension. Months later, the same firefighter discovered her uniform slashed with a box cutter, prompting a Seattle Police Department inquiry.
Lee hired an outside lawyer to investigate the vandalism, but says nearly all firefighters at the station refused to cooperate. In another case, she said she advised that a captain accused of harassing a young female firefighter be placed on paid leave, but leaders declined due to staffing shortages.
She reported that women across the department described feeling unsafe around certain male colleagues and said meetings with Chief Harold Scoggins failed to bring about meaningful change.
The claim also outlines separate incidents of unsafe conduct, including a fire engine driver allegedly drinking on duty, a 911 dispatcher taking calls while intoxicated, and multiple vehicle collisions involving the same employee. In each case, Lee says leadership failed to act decisively, citing a lack of available staff.
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Termination and next steps
Lee joined the Seattle Fire Department in 2022 and received positive performance reviews, including a “civilian of the year” nomination in 2024. She was selected to participate in the University of Washington’s executive leadership academy.
Despite those accolades, she was placed on paid leave in early September and fired weeks later. The claim asserts her termination came shortly after she requested records that could implicate a superior in a misconduct investigation.
“Ms. Lee’s termination was traumatic both because it was done without legal backing and she was terminated for properly doing her job and doing her best for the City,” the filing states.
The city has 60 days to respond before the claim can proceed to a lawsuit.
