CHESTER COUNTY, N.C. — City leaders in Chester have fired Deputy Chief Dillon Garris from the Chester Fire Department, causing concern among some community members.
The termination occurred on Monday, and a letter obtained by Channel 9 reveals that two members of the Chester County Fire Commission Board attempted to interfere with the process by aggressively questioning the fire chief.
“We won’t be unduly influenced by people trying to impact our HR process,” said Chester City Administrator Malik Whitaker, who confirmed the city’s authority to terminate employees.
The Chester Fire Commission Board is described as an advisory commission, with members appointed by legislators, the city, and the board itself. Despite its advisory role, some board members and firefighters have expressed concerns that the termination could lead to volunteer firefighters quitting. Chester Fire Chief James Jackson stated, “No firefighter has come to me this week and said they were disgruntled or ready to quit at all.”
The city administrator has requested that state lawmakers remove the two board members who interfered with the termination process, and the situation remains under review.
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