All 12 firefighters in the City of Cosmopolis resigned after a dispute with Mayor Kyle Pauley on Jan. 1, forcing him to declare a state of emergency.
Members of the Cosmopolis Fire Department in a press release said, “Mayor Pauley has removed necessary funding, and leadership where it is most needed without plans or communication to restructure our organizations,” according the The Daily World.
Pauley contends he has had to implement some unpopular changes to the department and has dealt with similar threats before.
City officials say financial constraints related to local businesses being impacted by COVID and the decline in tax revenue are related to the situation.
Former Chief Cody Bridges, who was separated by Pauley last May, contends the city failed to provide support ensuring certifications and licenses were maintained as well as staffing levels.
Cosmopolis officials have reached an agreement with the Aberdeen Fire Department to provide services while they work to address fire protection needs for their city.
