A little over a month after the City of San Diego fired its top lifeguard for mishandling a sexual harassment complaint, the second-highest-ranking lifeguard is now suing the city and department for barring her from applying for the top lifeguard post, allegedly hiring a less qualified man instead.
In a newly filed lawsuit, Maureen Hodges, the city’s first and only female captain, says the city refused to let her apply for the open chief position after former Chief James Gartland was terminated in early October.
Hodges has served as a San Diego lifeguard for 20 years and currently serves as the department’s Marine Safety Captain of Strategic Operations.
Following Gartland’s termination, Hodges’ lawsuit alleges she went to acting chief Dan Eddy to inquire about applying for the open chief position.
“Hodges performed well as the Captain, and when she asked interim Chief Eddy
whether she would be considered to be promoted to Lifeguard Chief, Eddy replied: “I don’t see why not,” states Hodges’ lawsuit.
Without any additional notice, four days later, the city announced it had hired former lifeguard turned Deputy City Attorney, Daniel Orloff, to become San Diego’s top lifeguard.
The problem, according to Hodges’ lawsuit, is Orloff is far less experienced than her.
“Orloff had departed the Lifeguard Service in 2023, in the rank of Sergeant, and had been employed as a Deputy City Attorney for several years,” states Hodges’ lawsuit. “Orloff was a full-time Lifeguard for less than five years. Hodges is more than qualified for promotion to Lifeguard Chief and is substantially more well qualified than Orloff.”
Hodges is asking for general and special damages and, according to her lawsuit, is also asking that a judge issue an injunction “requiring the City to better protect its employees from discrimination.”
A spokesperson for the City Attorney’s Office declined to comment due to pending litigation.
