Ex-EMS capt. claims wrongful termination

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County paramedic who became the first woman to be promoted to an officer's rank in the EMS department is seeking $3 million in damages for wrongful termination.

Counsel for Lisa Grande does not specify the alleged grounds for her termination, although he contends Grande was denied due process during her removal, which occurred in October 2015.

Grande's dismissal came eight months after captain's bars were pinned to her collar during a ceremony with county commissioners in last February.

Grande recalled during the ceremony how she became involved in EMS as a volunteer in Spirit Lake and swam against a patriarchal current in the discipline in the 1990s, which took her to Philadelphia. At the time, the city was No. 2 in the nation for crime, which made for a challenging work environment but also imparted a great deal of experience in the field.

Grande went on to obtain degrees to further her EMS career and served as the bench medic for the Philadelphia Flyers and Phillies.

“It is not often that a small service has the opportunity to have someone of Lisa's experience and education join the leadership team,” Bonner EMS Chief Bob Bussey said at Grande's pinning ceremony.

Grande's counsel, Hayden attorney Lawrence Beck, argues his client was fired without good cause and denied the right to prepare for termination hearings, which violated her rights as a public employee. A March 29 notice of intent to sue further alleges that the county engaged in sex discrimination in her work environment and in her termination proceedings.

Beck contends the county breached its employment contract with Grande and the covenant of good-faith dealings.

The claim seeks damages from wrongful termination, loss of income and disruption to her career track.

Bonner County officials, by policy, do not comment on pending tort claims.