A former captain of a county fire department has taken legal action against her previous employer, alleging gender discrimination and seeking justice for what she claims were unlawful employment practices. On February 17, 2026, Amy Dies filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against Bartow County, Georgia. The lawsuit highlights alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, with Dies accusing the county of discriminatory actions that have adversely affected her career and personal well-being.
The case stems from Dies’ demotion from Captain to Sergeant on May 24, 2023, which she claims was an unprecedented move bypassing a Lieutenant rank. According to the complaint, this decision was made by Chief Billy Ward, who had previously expressed gender-biased views by stating that “a woman’s place is in the home.” Dies asserts that these statements reflect a broader pattern of gender discrimination within the department. Furthermore, she alleges that after filing an appeal against her demotion, she was placed on unpaid administrative leave—a measure not applied to male colleagues under similar circumstances.
Dies began her tenure with Bartow County’s Fire Department in 2003 and served diligently until her demotion. She contends that during her time as Captain, she completed pre-fire plans in line with departmental policy but was nonetheless disciplined for alleged policy violations. In contrast, male employees who committed more severe infractions faced no such repercussions. For instance, Lieutenant Cam Cline reportedly slept through an emergency call but was later promoted instead of facing disciplinary action.
In addition to these allegations, Dies claims that after her demotion, she was denied essential protective gear required for her safety while on duty—gear readily available to her male counterparts. This lack of equipment forced her into unsafe working conditions and violated established safety protocols outlined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief from the court: injunctive and equitable relief; back pay and lost benefits; compensatory damages for emotional distress; reinstatement or front pay equivalent to lost future wages; attorney’s fees; and other appropriate remedies deemed just by the court. Dies emphasizes that Bartow County’s actions were willful and intended to harm her professionally and personally.
Represented by Cheryl B. Legare from Legare, Attwood & Ragan LLC., Amy Dies is determined to hold Bartow County accountable for what she perceives as blatant gender discrimination affecting not only her career trajectory but also setting a concerning precedent within public service roles traditionally dominated by men.
Source: 426cv00043_Amy_Dies_v_Bartow_County_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georgia.pdf
