From the New Haven Register: Members of the Killingworth (Conn.) Volunteer Fire Company voted this week to dip into a fund built up by donations and fundraisers to defend itself and its chief from a lawsuit filed by an ousted volunteer firefighter.

Firefighter Brian Ahern was dismissed from the department in early April for "fits of rage, violent outbursts and profanity," in addition to confronting the fire captain about a hazmat situation that Ahern said was not handled safely.

Last week, Ahern filed a lawsuit against Chief Arnold Moore and the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company, which says that he was protected as a whistleblower under the First Amendment.

The fire department voted to use up to $20,000 from its fund to back Moore against the lawsuit if needed.