Kadzielawski v. Board of Fire & Police Commissioners

Plaintiffs, Gary Kadzielawski and Henry Sajovic, were suspended from the fire service of the Village of Skokie and fined $8,500 and $1,500, respectively. On appeal, the circuit court of Cook County upheld the suspensions but reduced the fines to $500 and $200. In the appeal from that decision, plaintiffs claim that they were improperly disciplined for speaking on public issues; other fire fighters similarly situated were not similarly disciplined; and the board had no authority to impose fines.

We affirm.

Background

Plaintiffs have been fire fighters with the Village of Skokie fire department…