Man says Air Methods wrongfully terminated his employment

HUNTINGTON -- A former employee is suing Air Methods Corporation after he claims his employment was wrongfully terminated because he reported safety violations.

Mark Godbey, Tom Kidd and Ross Wolskey were also named as defendants in the suit.

Robert B. Halstead claims he was employed by the defendants from June 2006 until Dec. 1, 2011, as an aircraft mechanic, according to a complaint filed Nov. 19 in Cabell Circuit Court.

During his employment tenure, Halstead claims he became increasingly concerned about the alleged excessive and repeated consumption of alcohol and obvious intoxication by Godbey, who was his immediate supervisor.

Godbey’s alleged chronic alcohol consumption manifested itself through abuse of Halstead, as well as disregard for safety measures in the maintenance of aircrafts, according to the suit, so Halstead repeatedly complained to Kidd about Godbey’s excessive drinking and conduct.

Halstead claims Kidd did nothing to address the problems.

In November 2011, Godbey’s alleged heavy drinking was making his abusive behavior even more intolerable to Halstead and Halstead complained to Wolskey and Kidd, according to the suit, and during a meeting with Wolskey and Kidd, Kidd denied that Halstead had ever made any complaints regarding Godbey’s drinking.

Halstead claims Wolskey accused him of making false accusations and retaliated against him.

The defendants’ alleged conduct created a hostile work environment and the defendants’ harassment, retaliation against Halstead and his discharge amounted to an intentional infliction of emotional distress, according to the suit.

Halstead is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Richard A. Robb.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge F. Jane Hustead.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 12-C-766