We are writing in response to an article published in the Oct. 23 edition of the North Kitsap Herald and the November edition of the Kingston Community News regarding a settlement agreement involving North Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Because the reported claims are so serious, the district feels that it is imperative to make a statement of clarification.

In 2008, a district employee reported to district management that one of its female employees, Tamara Dotson, was indirectly suggesting that she had been subjected to indecent exposure by a male senior officer. The district promptly reported the allegations to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and requested an investigation. The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office conducted a full investigation. In the course of the investigation, it was found that none of the other employees who were present at the time and place of the alleged incident (the station dayroom/lunchroom) reported seeing any conduct that could be interpreted as an “indecent exposure.” No charges resulted.

Ms. Dotson later submitted a Notice of Claim through her attorney, alleging that she had been subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation while she was employed at district. She also alleged that the district had been negligent in failing to exercise proper care in the hiring, supervision and retention of certain employees. She claimed damages of $2 million.

The district promptly hired an outside expert investigator who looked into each of Ms. Dotson’s allegations. Based on the results of that investigation, the district determined that her allegations could not be confirmed.

Ms. Dotson subsequently sued the district. The district denied any liability to Ms. Dotson and denied that she had sustained any legally recoverable damages. Based on the results of multiple investigations, the district believed that it would be vindicated if the case went to trial.

Earlier this year, Ms. Dotson, the district, and its insurer compromised the suit with the assistance of a highly respected mediator. The terms of that settlement are set forth in a confidential release and settlement agreement. The district and its insurer settled the suit in an effort to avoid the distraction and expense of going to trial. In fact, the estimated costs to litigate the case would likely have exceeded the agreed-upon settlement amount while also requiring significant time and attention of district personnel. Having reached a compromise settlement of the case, the district and its personnel can now focus on protecting the lives and property of the communities of Kingston, Suquamish, Hansville, Indianola and Miller Bay.

The district will continue to honor the right of each of its employees to work in an environment that is free of unlawful discrimination and retaliation. To that end, the district maintains and enforces a policy against such conduct and takes seriously any claim of unlawful discrimination or retaliation, regardless of whether the facts ultimately show the claim to be true.

Dan Smith
Fire chief
North Kitsap Fire & Rescue