A high-ranking city official is embroiled in a legal battle after raising alarms about public safety issues. Paul Wells, the Fire Chief and Emergency Manager for a Michigan municipality, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Birmingham, City Manager Jana Ecker, and Assistant City Manager Mark H. Clemence. The complaint was filed on November 14, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Paul Wells has served as a firefighter since 1998 and was promoted to Fire Chief/Emergency Manager in December 2018. He claims that his advocacy for safety improvements in city-owned parking structures and water systems led to retaliation from city officials. According to Wells, he discovered that two parking structures had railings below code height and large holes posing significant safety risks. Despite his warnings and requests for temporary barricades, city officials allegedly delayed necessary repairs due to aesthetic concerns. It wasn’t until January 2024 that some corrections were made, but not before an individual suffered injuries from a fall at one of these sites.
Wells also reported serious issues with fire hydrants and water mains across the city being turned off or restricted without proper follow-up, which he argued compromised fire protection. After formally complaining to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Wells was placed on administrative leave—a move he claims was retaliatory.
The lawsuit alleges violations of constitutional rights under 42 USC 1983 for harassment and retaliation against Wells’ First Amendment rights. Additionally, it accuses the defendants of breaching the Michigan Whistleblower Protection Act by punishing him for reporting unsafe conditions. Wells also cites violations of the Open Meetings Act for decisions made without public or closed session meetings regarding his administrative leave status.
Wells seeks several forms of relief from the court: reinstatement to active duty, compensatory damages for reputational harm and loss of benefits, punitive damages for willful disregard of his rights, litigation costs including attorney fees, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Paul Wells is attorney Jennifer L. Lord from Sterling Employment Law based in Bloomfield Hills, MI. The case is presided over by Judge Terrence G. Berg with Case ID 2:25-cv-13640-TGB-APP.
Source: 225cv13640_Paul_Wells_v_City_of_BirminghamComplaint_Southern_District_of_Michigan.pdf
