Waccamaw firefighters resign after chief is removed

ASH, NC (WWAY) — A Brunswick County fire department is rebuilding after its chief was dismissed and several firefighters resigned Friday.

Fire Chief Jason Coveyou was removed from his position with the Waccamaw Fire Department in Ash after the department’s Board of Directors held a special meeting Friday to discuss personnel issues. After the chief was removed, firefighters at the meeting turned in their gear and resigned in solidarity with Coveyou. Saturday the station sits empty.

Those in attendance at the meeting said the chief was treated with “sarcasm and rude comments.”

Several of the firefighters and their families took to Facebook saying things like:

“Lights off for the first time in 3 years. No one left to respond. Breaks my heart after all the work my brothers have put into this place.”

“Sad day in the Waccamaw community. All active/present firefighters laying their gear down for the last time, feeling forced to resign for their safety and morals. On 9/11 none the less. Keep your buckets and hoses close by.”

Saturday Emergency Services staff met with the Waccamaw Fire Board of Directors and appointed Greg Warren as the new fire chief. They are continuing to evaluate their staffing concerns at this time.

According to Brian Watts with Brunswick County Emergency Services the area is covered in case of emergency, and they immediately enacted contingency plans to help with fire and medical responses in the area.