KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, Fla. – Volunteer firefighters in Keystone Heights who say they haven't worked in nearly two years and have filed a lawsuit against Clay County, claiming wrongful termination of its contract.
The Keystone Heights Volunteer Fire Department said it recently provided the Clay County Fire Department a station to renovate so the staff would have adequate living facilities. About the same time volunteer firefighters say the county stopped using them altogether.
The KHVFD said it has 42 volunteer firefighters and seven pieces of fire apparatus that helped Clay County career fighters who based in Keystone Heights. But the organization said the volunteers haven't worked since April 2013.
KHVFD has a contract with the county that shows it is in effect until 2019 with no clause to cancel or void. The volunteers say the breach of contract is putting a financial burden on them, limiting the number of people available to respond to emergencies.
The group said it has attempted numerous times to negotiate with the county, but Clay County hasn't responded.
News4Jax has also contacted the county and is learning more about the dispute. This article will be updated through the afternoon as more information becomes available, with a full report on Channel 4 newscast beginning at 5 p.m.