Entire Newburgh Volunteer Fire Department Quit On Monday

The entire volunteer fire department in Newburgh quit during Monday night's selectman's meeting when town officials refused to rehire the former Chief.

11 firefighters attended the meeting with a list of 3 demands, in regards to former Chief Glen Williamson. He had resigned his post in August out of frustration over what he told the BDN had been years of disagreements with the Town Manager. He said that firefighters started asking him, the very next day, to return to his post. The demands presented to the selectmen this week included reinstating Williamson and guaranteeing that an impartial witness would be included in any meetings between the Chief and town officials.

Selectmen rejected the demands and voted to hire Ralph Shaw as the new Chief. At that point, the entire Volunteer Fire Department walked out. Neighboring towns have agreed to cover Newburgh's fires until the issue can get sorted out.