Gross Misjudgment Or Retaliation

🔥 “Retaliation Disguised as Justice” – St. George Fire Board Moves to Claw Back Pensions from Select Firefighters

In a stunning legal maneuver, the St. George Fire Protection District and its leadership have launched what appears to be a targeted attack on union members — cloaked in the language of fairness but motivated by retaliation.

At the center of this controversy is Count 4 of the District’s Reconventional Demand, which seeks to force a small group of firefighters — dubbed the “New Orleans Hires” — to repay an estimated $2.2 million in pension contributions. These firefighters, many of whom left careers in New Orleans to serve the people of St. George, are now being told they must return the money or face legal setoff.

But here’s the bombshell:

🔍 When you compare this list of firefighters targeted in Count 4 to the broader pension repayment breakdown, several names are mysteriously absent. Why? Because they didn’t sue the department over pay disparity.

This lawsuit doesn’t target all firefighters who received enhanced pensions through the same transfer arrangement. It only targets those who exercised their right to join Local 4524 in suing for fair pay. That’s not legal equity — that’s calculated punishment.

🧾 The Numbers Tell the Story

According to court filings and actuarial documents, 19 firefighters transferred their service from the New Orleans Fire Department into the Firefighters’ Retirement System (FRS), triggering an actuarial cost to the district of $961,141, to be repaid in 30 annual installments at 7.5%. The Fire Board agreed to this in writing in 2014. Some of these firemen are currently still working, some retired and one deceased.

Now, under Count 4, the department seeks to invalidate those original pension agreements, and is demanding the repayments.

These are not hypothetical costs. These are real dollars the department is asking some current and retired firefighters — people who’ve served for decades — to return, despite their pensions being lawfully structured and agreed to over a decade ago.

👨‍🚒 Who’s Responsible? Follow the Leadership

Let’s be clear: this lawsuit didn’t arise in a vacuum. Until recently, Johnny Suchy served as President of the St. George Fire Board of Commissioners with more than 20 years in that position. Then, almost like clockwork, he stepped down — right as this legal firestorm reached its peak.

Darrell Ourso has since taken over the helm.

Was Suchy’s exit a coincidence? Or did the board know it was heading toward an ethical breaking point?

The people deserve answers.

⚖️ What’s at Stake

This isn’t just a legal fight. It’s a moral crisis. Retired firefighters — some now in their 60s and 70s — are being told to return tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, after dedicating their lives to protecting the community.

At best, this is a gross misjudgment by Fire Chief Gerard Tarleton and the Fire Board. At worst, it’s a vindictive, retaliatory campaign against union members seeking fair treatment under Louisiana’s firefighter pay laws.

🚨 A Call to Action

We urge the public, elected officials, and watchdog organizations to scrutinize the actions of the St. George Fire Board and Chief Tarleton.

This is not just about pensions — it’s about the freedom to organize, the right to stand up for fair pay, and the integrity of public leadership. Firefighters should not have to choose between their pensions and their principles.