MILLERSVILLE— A rural southeast Missouri fire district is short-handed after the resignation of a dozen members, including the chief.
The 12 members of the Millersville Rural Fire District resigned at a board meeting on Monday, throwing down their gear bags and walking out.
Jerry Aufdenberg, who resigned as chief, said a heated argument with an officer over equipment spending led to the resignations. The department has been short on cash and short on storage space for new vehicles. The maintenance officer was warned several times to cut back on spending.
That discussion turned into an argument at the meeting, prompting the resignations.
Six firefighters and six officers resigned, leaving the department with 10 members.