Rena Clark Jennings has filed a lawsuit against Franklin County, alleging a pervasive culture of gender discrimination and retaliation within the Department of Public Safety. The complaint was filed on February 13, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia. Jennings accuses Franklin County of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by fostering a hostile work environment and engaging in discriminatory practices based on her gender.
Jennings’ legal battle is rooted in her long tenure with Franklin County’s Department of Public Safety, where she began as a firefighter and paramedic in June 2003. Over the years, she rose through the ranks to become Captain of Operations by February 2021. Despite her qualifications and performance, Jennings claims she faced significant barriers due to her gender. She alleges that her promotion process was unusually prolonged because county officials were hesitant to appoint a female captain. Chief Ferguson allegedly suggested that administrative resistance was tied to her gender, stating he was “too afraid to give the position to a female” due to potential pushback.
Throughout her career, Jennings reported multiple instances of gender-based discrimination and harassment. In one instance during Fall 2023, female employees confided in Jennings about inappropriate comments made by fire instructor Steven Crook, who allegedly referred to women as “Ho’s” and made other derogatory remarks. These complaints were reportedly ignored by Human Resources. Additionally, Jennings herself experienced unwanted touching from male colleagues and faced intimidation tactics when she raised concerns about being stalked by Volunteer Chief Steven David.
The lawsuit further details how Jennings was subjected to retaliatory actions after voicing her grievances. She describes being called into meetings where her leadership was unfairly criticized and being advised by HR Director Pat Barnes to consider retirement or another line of work. Despite receiving positive performance evaluations, Jennings was labeled a “failed leader” by Chief Fowler, who also made age-related inquiries deemed inappropriate.
In response to these allegations, Jennings seeks judgment against Franklin County for equitable relief including back pay and front pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress and suffering, punitive damages for willful misconduct, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs associated with the litigation.
Representing Rena Clark Jennings are attorneys Thomas E. Strelka and L. Leigh Rhoads from Virginia Employment Law firm based in Roanoke, Virginia. The case is presided over by Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon under Case ID: 7:26-CV-00137-EKD-CKM.
Source: 726cv00137_Jennings_v_Franklin_County_Complaint_Western_District_Virginia.pdf
