Five people have resigned from the Flagler Beach Fire Department in recent weeks, records from the city show. These include Deputy Fire Chief Jennifer Fiveash and 14-year FBFD veteran Morgan Rainey.
With only twelve members in the Flagler Beach Fire Department, the loss of five firefighters marks a sudden and costly reduction in manpower. Until the department is fully staffed again, personnel from Flagler County and the City of Palm Coast are helping to keep the FBFD fully staffed.
Deputy Fire Chief Fiveash submitted her resignation letter on April 15, to take effect on May 8. She sent her letter to Fire Chief Stephen Cox, as well as City Manager Dale Martin and HR Director Liz Mathis. Along with Fiveash and Rainey, the other resignations came from Lieutenant Trey Poeira, Fire Inspector Bruce Adams, and Carlos Paltronieri. The latter was reportedly given an ultimatum of resignation or firing.
“After careful consideration, I have determined that continuing in this role is not the right fit,” Fiveash wrote. “This decision is based on professional differences in leadership approach, particularly regarding how I believe employees should be supported and served. This decision does not come lightly, as the line staff are a strong group and deserve consistent support from their administration in their day-to-day roles. There should also be cohesion at the administrative level built on trust, which I believe is critical to effectively leading and supporting the organization. Given this misalignment, I believe it is in the best interest of both the department and myself to step away from the position.”
An email to the Flagler Beach City Commission from Dale Martin on Thursday stated that some of the recent resignations were brought about by other employment opportunities. “Others,” Martin wrote, “reflect significant concerns with professional leadership.”
“With the recent resignation of Deputy Chief Jennifer Fiveash, I no longer feel that the workplace provides a safe or supportive environment,” wrote Morgan Rainey in her resignation letter. “Remaining under the current leadership, following the absence of Chief Fiveash, has raised serious concerns for me regarding both operational integrity and overall safety.”
