Thorndike's Volunteer Fire Department now has two employees, after the rest of the firefighters resigned during a town meeting on Wednesday.

The resignations came after safety officials sent a letter to the Town Selectman, addressing concerns about faulty equipment and a lack of training and leadership. Firefighters told WABI-TV that the issues have been brought up to the board in the past, but that nothing has been done to provide funding for improved conditions.

Thorndike's Fire Department is not a municipal department, but is an association. This means that firefighters vote for the Chief and other officers while the town retains veto power over the Chief and the funding. Town officials say that they have asked for exact quotes on the cost of the upgrades, but have never received them.

Selectmen say they have mutual aid agreements with other towns, so the community is covered in the case of any emergencies.

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