The former chief of St. Johns County Fire Department -- a 21-year veteran -- says he was forced out by the county administrator.
Scott Bullard was chief for less than three months when he left Oct. 4, First Coast News reported.
"I am forced to resign from this position having done nothing to cause detriment to the fire department of the county,” he wrote in his resignation letter.
Union officials claimed in a letter that "...Chief Bullard’s actions make us question his ability to lead this department competently, safely and with integrity.”
They cited his decision to switch the uniform that was 65 percent polyester uniforms which they say didn't meet industry standards. Instead, they wanted to wear 100 percent cotton T-shirts and button ups. ”
They also were upset because he ended the use of vacation time for employees who ran out of sick leave, saying employees now would instead be “placed on leave without pay”.
County Administrator Joy Andrews told the chief that conflicted with existing policy.
