Veteran Wilmington Firefighter Sues City, Alleging Retaliation

Lawsuit claims city delayed approving medical benefits tied to on-duty injury, affecting retirement and leave payout

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A longtime Wilmington firefighter has filed a federal lawsuit alleging the city delayed approving medical benefits tied to an on-duty injury, affecting his retirement and payout of leave. The case raises new questions about how the city handles injured employees and internal conflicts within the fire department.

Why it matters

This lawsuit follows other discrimination and pay disputes involving Wilmington firefighters, highlighting ongoing tensions between the city and its fire department personnel. The outcome could impact how the city manages worker benefits and injuries, especially for public safety employees.

The details

The firefighter, who has not been named, claims the city retaliated against him after he was injured on the job by delaying the approval of his medical benefits. This allegedly affected his retirement and payout of leave time. The lawsuit comes amid other recent disputes between Wilmington firefighters and the city over issues like discrimination and pay.

  • The firefighter filed the federal lawsuit in February 2026.

The players

Wilmington Firefighter

A longtime Wilmington firefighter who has filed a federal lawsuit against the city.

City of Wilmington

The defendant in the lawsuit, accused of delaying the approval of medical benefits for the firefighter after an on-duty injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the firefighter out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing tensions between Wilmington's firefighters and the city administration, raising questions about how the city handles worker benefits, injuries, and internal conflicts within the fire department.