NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – A major shake-up in the Nassau County Fire Department led to its chief stepping down this week.
Former Chief Chuck Cooper said he had no other choice, while the union claims his decisions endangered the lives of firefighters.
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Cooper said he resigned after being told that if didn't, he would be fired.
Cooper talked with Channel 4 Wednesday about his resignation and the problems he is having with county officials.
"It's politics. It's political," Cooper said. "I believe that the county coordinator was told what to do."
Cooper and the fire union were at odds over the summer. Union leaders said he put firefighters in danger with some of his calls at fire scenes.
The county investigated and determined that was not the case.
"I know and I've said all along in my heart of hearts and mind of minds I did not put those firefighters lives in jeopardy no more than they were in jeopardy doing their job," Cooper said. "It's a dangerous job."
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Edward Sealover, the county coordinator, said Cooper's departure was for a change in leadership.
"Some of the concerns raised were about management styles of the fire department that perhaps it was time now to probably make a change in terms of the leadership," Sealover said.
The fire department has appointed an interim fire chief.
Cooper was give a severance package of about $53,000.