Marina
A long-standing legal and public safety controversy in Kansas City, Missouri has moved toward resolution. A firefighter who was responsible for a tragic crash in Westport in December 2021, in which three people died, has been ordered by arbitration to return to work, including operating fire apparatus again.
This article outlines all the pertinent facts, figures, and implications of that ruling, including responses from families and city officials.
Key Facts & Figures
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name of Firefighter | Dominic Biscari |
| Date of Crash | December 15, 2021 |
| Location | Westport, Kansas City, Missouri |
| Vehicle & Violation | Fire department pumper truck; ran red light at ~51 mph with lights & siren on |
| Victims | Jennifer San Nicolas (driver), Michael Elwood (passenger), and Tami Knight (pedestrian) |
| Legal Plea | Alford plea to three counts of involuntary manslaughter in February 2023 |
| Sentence | Probation for three years + 40 hours community service |
| Union / Grievance | IAFF Local 42 filed grievance in March 2023; claimed due process violations |
| Arbitrator | Leland Shurin |
| Arbitration Award | Full reinstatement with back pay & full benefits, allowed to drive firetruck again; three-day suspension without pay; termination references removed from personnel file |
| Current Legal Status | Final arbitration ruling issued August 18, 2025; now awaiting court confirmation (Jackson County Circuit Court) |
What the Arbitration Ruling Says
- The arbitrator found that Biscari’s former suspension and move to fire him violated due process and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the firefighters’ union (Local 42).
- The ruling orders the city to reinstate Biscari to his position, including driving emergency vehicles, and to restore all benefits and back pay that were lost.
- His personnel file must be cleansed of references to termination, and only retain a note that he was involved in a motor-vehicle accident resulting in fatalities due to negligence.
- He will have a three-day unpaid suspension, the only disciplinary measure in the new ruling.
Reactions & Controversies
- Victims’ families and friends have expressed shock. Some believe that, given the triple fatality, Biscari should not be permitted to drive large fire apparatus on public streets again.
- The union (IAFF Local 42) argues that procedural protections were ignored, and that the arbitration ruling restores “fairness” under the contract.
- The City Council previously rejected a settlement over $900,000, with concern that a tragedy shouldn’t lead to what was characterized as a “windfall” to Biscari.
- Legally, the next step is for a Jackson County Circuit Court judge to confirm the arbitration award. The city’s options to contest appear limited if the contract and award are affirmed.
Implications
- If confirmed, Biscari will be fully reinstated, including driving and being assigned as per department rotation and standard assignment provisions.
- The case raises issues about how firefighter discipline, training, accountability, and public safety intersect, especially when emergencies (lights & sirens) are involved.
- It may set precedent for how similar contractual and arbitration disputes are handled in Kansas City and other jurisdictions.
The arbitration ruling that Dominic Biscari be reinstated with full benefits, back pay, and the ability to drive fire apparatus again marks a significant turn in a case that has touched deep public sorrow and sharp legal debate.
While the decision seeks to address due process and contractual fairness, it also re-ignites concerns among the victims’ families and community members regarding accountability and safety. The final word now rests with the Jackson County Court’s confirmation of the award.
Regardless of the outcome, this case underscores the delicate balance between contractual rights, discipline, and public trust in municipal institutions.
