All 23 volunteer firefighters on the Charlotte Fire Department resigned on Monday catching the Charlotte City Council by surprise.
Firefighter Ron Smith made several allegations when stating the reason for the resignation. Allegations included negative comments toward the volunteer force, being disrespectful of the departments work and allegedly forcing out the recently appointed fire chief, according to WILX News 10.
“Let us be very clear -- not a single one of you has been in charge of an emergency event such as a structure fire, a car accident or even a medical emergency. Not a single one of you is qualified to make a determination on what resources are needed at these events,” Smith told the council. “There should be no questions from any of you about how many trucks are dispatched or how many people it takes to save a life.”
Charlotte Mayor Michael Armitage rejected the allegations saying the council, and city manager have been supportive of the fire chief.
Armitage said. “I don’t think it is fair to say city council can never question things when it comes to the budget or operation of any department of the city, which the fire department is.”
Fire protection will continue in the city by the full-time firefighters with support from mutual-aid departments, according to Armitage.
Firehouse.com News
Content curated and written by Firehouse editorial staff, including Susan Nicol, Steven Shaw, Peter Matthews, Ryan Baker and Rich Dzierwa.
