The Town of Plympton-Wyoming is finally addressing the controversy surrounding the local fire department following a public protest that was held a week ago.
On Friday, the town issued a statement that acknowledged "staffing changes" have been made within the Plympton-Wyoming Fire Department following two independent third party investigations and an internal fire department review.
"The municipality has since made staffing changes and as per municipal policy, cannot comment publicly on personal human resources issues of staff, past or present," the town said in its statement. "As a major employer, the Town of Plympton-Wyoming takes all employee matters seriously. This includes a fire department."
The fire department and the town have previously refused to provide further comment on the fire department staffing changes. However, protestors who conducted a demonstration outside the town’s municipal office on February 14 told BlackburnNews.com that three firefighters "were let go without cause".
Protestors at the demonstration said that they will continue to express concerns with how the fire department has handled matters involving its personnel. One protestor indicated that a demonstration will likely be held at the town's next council meeting.
While the town has refused to provide any further comment on the fire officials who were reportedly dismissed from the service, the statement issued on Friday said the mayor and council are confident in the abilities of the fire department, its fire chief and the town's chief administrative officer.
“I’ve been an elected official in this community for 32 years and when it comes to my confidence in our fire department’s fire safety and preparedness, I’m sleeping just fine at night," Mayor Lonny Napper said in the statement. "Our community is safe, there’s no doubt in my mind.”