Former Lincoln firefighter files lawsuit against the city alleging discrimination

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) –  Former Lincoln firefighter Jessie Lundvall is the latest to join five women alleging sex discrimination and harassment during employment with the city.

Lundvall believes stereotypes and discrimination regarding sexual orientation, gender, and disability play a large part in her termination.

“Several long-term female city employees have been accused of lying and/or falsifying reports after engaging in protected activity, including (Amanda) Benson, Sarah Williams, Angela Sands, Female Police Officer A and Female Officer B. Jessie makes number six,” said her attorney, Kelly Brandon, in the complaint filed in Lancaster County District Court.

SEE ALSO: LPD’s Public Information Officer files sexual assault complaint

Throughout her seven years with Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Lundvall alleges facing additional requirements in comparison to her male counterparts.

In a timeline laid out in court documents, Lundvall alleges increasing discrimination throughout her last three years with LFR:

2014 – 2018

In 2014 Lundvall began working as a firefighter recruit for LFR and later expressed interest to become a hazardous material trainer in 2018.

At that time, Chief Timothy Linke informed her that he would need to review her performance as an instructor.  Linke also expressed concerns that taking time off for her children would affect her performance as an instructor.

She “assured him that her children would not take time away from her work.” Linke denied her request.

Jessie Lundvall, courtesy LFR

2019-2020

In June of 2019, Lundvall accepted a position as a firefighter training officer.

Lundvall had the ability to flex time and work remotely while working 40 hours a week and documenting overtime.

2021

Two years later, in March of 2021, she suffered an injury to her shoulder and supervisors granted her permission to work half days.

Within days, Linke requested a “fit for duty” test because he did not believe Lundvall had enough sick time to cover her recovery.

Fearing she would be removed from her assignment, Lundvall did not want to request time off.  She never left full duty status or missed a day of work, according to court documents.

Lundvall was secretly watched by Linke, and another employee notified Lundvall that she was under investigation for falsifying timecards.

SEE ALSO: Female Lincoln firefighter seeks investigation of captain

In early April, Linke allegedly never informed Lundvall that her timecards were filled out incorrectly.

Lundvall filed a complaint with Human Resources about discrimination and the distribution of her confidential information.

In a meeting on April 28, Chief David Engler stated that “Jessie had improperly claimed one hour of overtime.”  During that time, Lundvall was allegedly responding to a high-priority email from Engler.

She was suspended on May 26, and later terminated on June 8.

Lundvall joins the growing list of recent harassment and discrimination cases against the city of Lincoln.

SEE ALSO: Recently fired LPD Sgt. to file lawsuit against department

SEE ALSO: City reaches settlement with former LPD officer claiming to be sexually assaulted