WESTMINSTER : Trial of Civil Rights Lawsuit by Ex-Firefighters Postponed

A federal judge Monday postponed until July 25 the opening of a civil rights case involving four former Westminster firefighters.

The firefighters state in a lawsuit filed late last year that their civil rights were violated when they were improperly terminated last year, an allegation that the city disputes. A trial in that case was to have opened today.

The suit has affected the city’s attempt to contract for fire services with the Orange County Fire Authority. U.S. District Judge Richard A. Paez issued a temporary restraining order this month blocking the contract until the firefighters’ case could be heard, but lifted it last week after the Fire Authority withdrew its bid to provide services.

The Fire Authority’s board of directors reinstated the contract Sunday, however, after it was amended to protect the agency from litigation. Westminster Mayor Charles V. Smith said he gave the county assurances that the city would pay legal fees and any judgments that might result from the lawsuit.

The Westminster City Council, in a special meeting Monday, voted a second time to accept the county’s offer, which is projected to save the city $1.8 million a year.

That approval means a contract could be signed later this week, city officials said. But attorney Alan C. Davis, who represents the four firefighters, said he will ask Paez on Wednesday for another restraining order.

The firefighters, who were dismissed after allegations of payroll fraud, are asking to be reinstated.