Marina
In a high-profile decision that has stirred public emotion and political debate, Kansas City has officially rejected a proposed $915,000 settlement connected to Dominic Biscari, the firefighter who caused a tragic 2021 crash that killed three people.
The decision was made during a Kansas City Council Governance and Public Safety Committee meeting on May 13, 2025, after strong opposition from city officials, the public, and family representatives of the victims.
Here’s everything we know about the rejection, its background, and what this means for the city, the victims’ families, and Biscari’s future.
Background of the Deadly 2021 Westport Crash
On December 15, 2021, Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) firefighter Dominic Biscari drove a firetruck that ran a red light at Broadway Avenue and Westport Road while exceeding the speed limit by 16 mph. Despite having lights and sirens activated, the crew had reportedly been told not to respond to the call.
The collision resulted in the deaths of:
- Jennifer San Nicholas (41)
- Michael J. Elwood (25)
- Tami N. Knight (41), a pedestrian
Biscari later entered an Alford plea to three counts of second-degree involuntary manslaughter, meaning he accepted the punishment while maintaining innocence.
Key Developments in the Settlement Proposal
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount Proposed | $915,000 |
| Filed By | Biscari and International Association of Firefighters Local No. 42 |
| Claims Involved | Workers’ compensation and wrongful termination |
| City’s Decision (May 13, 2025) | Rejected by Governance and Public Safety Committee |
| Mayor Quinton Lucas’s Stance | Opposed; stated “a tragedy shouldn’t lead to a windfall” |
| Victims’ Supporters’ Reaction | Strong opposition from family friends and community members |
| Future Actions | Unclear; Mayor suggests further discussion but no council plans to revisit |
Public and Political Response
Mayor Quinton Lucas was vocal about the council’s decision:
“The mayor supports all city employees but also supports accountability for the harm they commit… A tragedy shouldn’t lead to a windfall for someone.”
The sentiment was echoed by Laura Norris, owner of Ragazza, where two of the victims worked. She urged city leaders:
“Don’t spend nearly $1 million for workers’ comp. Use it for public safety and driver training.”
Multiple citizens and friends of the victims voiced similar concerns, stating the crash was “reckless and unnecessary.”
Legal and Employment Status of Biscari
Although Biscari has pleaded guilty and the fire chief intended to fire him, he is still technically employed by the city. An arbitrator previously ruled in favor of reinstatement, a decision Kansas City sought to overturn in April 2024.
The ruling on his employment status is still pending. Mayor Lucas suggested that the matter should be resolved with “common sense” and that public safety must remain a top priority.
The rejection of the $915,000 firefighter settlement reflects Kansas City’s emphasis on accountability, justice, and responsible governance.
While the legal future of Dominic Biscari remains undecided, the City Council has made clear its stance: compensation should not reward wrongdoing.
With growing calls for improved public safety and deeper systemic change, this case serves as a pivotal moment in balancing legal complexities with moral responsibility.