CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Cincinnati’s former fire chief won another victory in his legal battle against the city and its top administrator over his abrupt termination in 2023.

A federal court judge on Wednesday rejected the city’s request that Michael Washington’s claims be dismissed on summary judgment.

U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Bowman determined the city and City Manager Sheryl Long failed to give Washington his due process of law before firing him on March 24, 2023.

“Defendants violated Plaintiff’s pretermination due process rights,” she wrote in her order.

The decision cleared the way for the former chief’s jury trial to begin on Sept. 29.

Washington is seeking punitive damages, back pay and lost benefits.

He looks forward to “his day in court and vindication of his rights a

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