In September 2015, plaintiff Jason Briley, 41, a deputy fire marshal for the city of West Covina, was terminated from his position. Briley claimed he was fired for making complaints over the course of two years about some properties owned by the city that were allegedly violating California fire codes. Briley sued the city of West Covina, alleging that the city retaliated against him for being a whistleblower. Defense counsel denied the city retaliated against Briley, and contended that Briley was fired for being difficult to work with, dishonest, allegedly engaging in inappropriate behavior and harassing citizens., Briley, who worked in his position as deputy fire marshal for eight years, sought recovery of lost wages. He also sought recovery of damages for emotional distress that he allegedly suffered as a result of the retaliation and termination.