A city fire chief has filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation and due process violations against his employer, the city officials, and union leaders. Jeremy Betsa, acting as his own attorney, lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on November 14, 2025. The defendants include the City of Avon Lake, its mayor Mark Spaetzel, and other city officials and union representatives.
The case stems from a series of alleged retaliatory actions against Betsa following his management decisions and reports of misconduct within the Fire Department. According to Betsa’s complaint, his troubles began when he faced opposition from union leaders over staffing and training decisions. He claims that Mayor Spaetzel exhibited animosity towards him by opposing rank-differential legislation beneficial to Betsa’s position while serving on the City Council. The situation escalated when Spaetzel became mayor and allegedly engaged in a pattern of discriminatory conduct against Betsa. This included threatening Betsa’s job over unfounded accusations related to political activities and imposing punitive measures such as suspensions without proper procedural safeguards.
Betsa accuses the defendants of violating several laws, including 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for due process violations and First Amendment retaliation under Ohio law. He asserts that the disciplinary actions taken against him were based on false allegations circulated by union members like Captain Christofer McKay, which were used by city officials to justify unwarranted disciplinary measures. Furthermore, he alleges that confidential information was leaked intentionally to damage his reputation.
In seeking relief from the court, Betsa demands compensatory damages for emotional distress and reputational harm caused by these actions. He also seeks injunctive relief to prevent further retaliatory conduct and demands punitive damages for what he describes as malicious acts by city officials aimed at silencing him.
Representing himself pro se in this legal battle, Jeremy Betsa stands against a lineup of defendants led by Mayor Mark Spaetzel and supported by other key figures like HR Director Lynn Kernya and Law Director Gary A. Ebert. The case is presided over by Judge Nugent with Magistrate Judge Greenberg assisting in proceedings under Case ID: 1:25-cv-02478.
Source: 125cv02478_Betsa_v_City_of_Avon_Lake_Complaint_Northern_District_Ohio.pdf
