In a case involving a retaliatory firing of a deputy fire marshal, the appellate court affirms the judgment finding the defendant city liable, but reverses the award of $2 million for past noneconomic damages and $1.5 million in future noneconomic damages as excessive given the slight evidence of emotional distress, the fact that plaintiff found other employment, the fact that the affirmed judgment will clear his reputation going forward, and his counsel’s improper attack on the city’s attorney during closing argument. The court allows plaintiff to avoid a retrial if he accepts a remittitur to $1.1 million for noneconomic damages.