Misconduct exposed | Seattle Fire Dept sued for $2.5m by sacked HR head over alleged retaliation

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.