A high-ranking fire department official's forced resignation leads to a substantial settlement from the city of San Diego.
According to Firehouse, the City of San Diego has agreed to pay $190,000 to settle an age discrimination lawsuit filed by former Deputy Fire Chief Kelly Zombro, who claims he was pressured to leave his position in 2023.
Zombro's case highlights the challenges he faced after joining San Diego Fire Rescue at age 52, following an extensive career with the California Department of Forestry. His expertise in wildfire prevention and management, which the department reportedly needed, did not shield him from alleged discriminatory treatment by senior officials.
Senior fire official faced systematic pressure to resign
The settlement emerged from a complex situation where Zombro encountered what he described as degrading treatment from superior officers. Department leadership repeatedly criticized his performance without providing clear expectations or specific areas for improvement. The hostile work environment extended beyond performance issues, as Zombro also reported retaliation for taking family medical leave following his father's death.
The city's response to these allegations maintained that their actions were justified and within normal management practices. They defended their treatment of Zombro as appropriate and denied any discriminatory or retaliatory behavior. These conflicting narratives led to legal proceedings that were settled just before a scheduled jury trial.
The resolution came through a broader city council decision that included another significant payout. In the same session, council members approved a $265,000 settlement with QBE Insurance Corp for damages caused by faulty airport infrastructure.
Legal settlement reveals broader implications for workplace discrimination
The circumstances of Zombro's departure reveal concerning details about workplace dynamics. Despite his extensive experience and specialized knowledge in wildfire management, he found himself in an untenable position when his department vehicle was removed, and he faced an ultimatum to either resign or face termination.
The city's official stance, documented in court filings, characterized their actions as legitimate management decisions. According to city officials, all actions taken were proper exercises of management discretion and were implemented without malicious intent or unlawful motivation.
The resolution of this case occurred through official channels, with initial approval in a closed session on December 16, followed by open session confirmation on Tuesday. This procedural progression demonstrates the formal process required for such settlements in municipal government.
Future workplace implications emerge from landmark case
The settlement represents a significant acknowledgment of workplace issues within San Diego's emergency services. This case may influence future hiring and management practices, particularly regarding experienced professionals transitioning between different emergency service departments.
The resolution brings attention to the challenges faced by senior professionals changing careers within public safety sectors. Zombro's experience, moving from state forestry to municipal fire services, highlights potential barriers for experienced professionals seeking new opportunities.
This settlement coincides with other municipal payouts, indicating broader administrative challenges within San Diego's public services. The concurrent resolution of the airport asphalt damage claim, totaling $265,000, suggests systemic issues in infrastructure management and liability handling.
Settlement concludes contentious workplace dispute
The age discrimination case involving former Deputy Fire Chief Kelly Zombro reached its conclusion with a $190,000 settlement from the City of San Diego. The lawsuit stemmed from alleged discriminatory practices that forced his resignation in 2023 despite his valuable wildfire management expertise. The settlement awaited approval through closed and open sessions of the city council, marking the end of a significant workplace discrimination case in San Diego's emergency services sector.
