Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner's office reportedly will not pursue liens against the widows of four fallen firefighters who died in the Southwest Inn fire.
The city's statement came just as the firefighters' union along with at-large City Councilman Michael Kubosh went public with the liens this week. The city is seeking at least $20,000 from each estate if the families win their wrongful death lawsuit against Motorola.
“This is egregious that these people have given their lives in the line of duty for this city and then the city hired a private law firm to go after their estate if they collected any money for their wrongful deaths,” say Kubosh.
“They're wanting the medical expenses on those who died on the scene, if they were treated at the scene they want to recoup that money, and the city is wanting to recoup the money for the firefighter who had long-term injuries.”
Records show the liens were filed in 2015 under then Mayor Annise Parker.
“Even though I was ignorant of it they would say you're supposed to know, and I didn't know,” says Kubosh. “But as soon as I did know I spoke up and I want these liens released from these estates.”
And Kubosh says City Council has the power to do just that.