On September 16, 2025, the Kansas City Star reported that the fire truck driver who caused a catastrophic, fatal crash will be allowed to return to his job. That is based on the arbitrator’s decision. Our Kansas City wrongful death lawyer provides an overview of the incident.
Background: What to Know About the Accident
The case is centered around a tragic crash involving a fire truck in Kansas City. What to Know About the Accident. On December 15th, 2021, Dominic Biscari was driving a Kansas City Fire Department pumper truck with lights and sirens through the Westport entertainment district. He ran a red light, collided with a Honda CR-V, and then struck additional vehicles and a pedestrian who was on the sidewalk. The crash killed three people: the driver and passenger of the Honda, and a pedestrian waiting nearby. Mr. Biscari later pleaded guilty to three counts of involuntary manslaughter. At the time, the truck was traveling roughly 51 mph in a 35 mph zone.
Note: The fire truck was responding to a call when its lights and sirens were on. That gives some legal leeway for emergency vehicles. However, just because sirens were blaring does not mean the driver is free from liability. In Mr. Biscari’s case, investigators found serious misconduct: he was driving about 51 mph in a 35 mph zone. Further, he entered an intersection after the light had been red for over 16 seconds and failed to slow down or brake appropriately.
Fire Truck Driver Was Initially Removed
Following the crash, Mr. Biscari was suspended by the Kansas City Fire Department and effectively removed from driving duties. The City moved to terminate his employment, citing the severity of the crash and his guilty plea. As part of the disciplinary process, he was not paid during his suspension and lost benefits. The firefighters’ union filed a grievance in support of the driver.
Arbitrator Overrules the Driver’s Termination
An arbitrator, Leland Shurin, reviewed the case and ruled in favor of Biscari. The decision mandates that Biscari be reinstated with full benefits and back pay, though he must endure a three-day suspension without pay. The arbitrator also ordered that all references to his termination related to the crash be removed from his personnel file. The ruling found procedural defects: the City had failed to observe the due process rights guaranteed under the collective bargaining agreement, including notice and fair disciplinary procedures. To be clear, the arbitrator did not rule that the truck driver acted in a safe manner. It found employment law violations (breach of the collective bargaining agreement) by the city.
Call Our Kansas City Wrongful Death Attorney for a Free Consultation
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City wrongful death attorney is a compassionate, experienced advocate for grieving families. If your loved one was killed in any type of motor vehicle collision, we can help. Contact us today for a free, strictly confidential consultation. With an office in Kansas City, our firm handles wrongful death cases in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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