The Gogama Fire Department is resigning, according to its Facebook page.
“I write this with great sadness and disbelief. Effective Dec 1st, 2018 the entire Gogama Fire Dept will be resigning. I have received every members resignation letter. I still can not believe this is happening,” reads the statement on Facebook.
Facebook posts referring to the tension between the fire department and the Local Services Board (LSB) started Nov. 18.
That day, Chief Mike Benson shared an open letter with the LSB.
“I’ve done my best to serve this community over the last 18 years, and have received accolades from firefighters, community members, fellow fire service representatives and the OFM. Everyone except you five realize the importance of a competent, well trained and progressive Fire Dept,” it reads.
“Your wish is obviously to set the dept. back 20 years or to disband it altogether, and I hope you are unsuccessful, but unfortunately, I’m tired of the struggle and have decided to dedicate myself to other, less time consuming purposes.”
The following day, fire prevention officer Magda Benson and deputy chief Christine Cloutier shared separate statements of resignation, effective Dec. 1.
“This was in no way an easy decision for me as I love being a volunteer firefighter and giving back to my community,” reads Cloutier’s post.
More details to come. . .
