Former Alameda Fire Chief Sues City

Former Alameda Fire Chief David Kapler has filed suit against the city of Alameda, The Island is reporting. 

Kapler, who , after being put on  after he was filmed gassing up his BMW at the city's gas pump, says he was wrongly terminated and has filed a $2 million lawsuit, according to The Island.

The Chronicle's Matier & Ross wrote about Kapler's work-related troubles here and here. Kapler has said he had a verbal agreement with former City Manager Debra Kurita to use city gas for his personal vehicle.

As the story gained momentum, more details about Kapler's work history were uncovered. 

Councilperson Lena Tam, who, along with other city officials are named in Kapler's suit, says his actions were irresponsible and a misuse of public funds.

"During a fiscal crisis that resulted in the closure of an Alameda fire station and reduction in firefighting staff and programs," said Tam in a written statement, "Kapler’s actions were stunningly irresponsible."

"I can't imagine the City would offer him anything on this lawsuit," she wrote. 

Tam says his resignation was appropriate.

"Chief Kapler was right to resign after he was caught both taking a $250 per month car allowance from the City and filling personal vehicles at City pumps," said Tam. 

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