Volunteer firefighters from Eddy County's 11 fire departments say they'll resign if county officials approve policy changes and appoint the county's emergency preparedness manager as the chief fire administrator.
The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports that the volunteers have no confidence in Eddy County Emergency Preparedness manager Joel Arnwine.
Such resignations could leave the county without fire protection.
Fire chiefs have said they believe one goal of the policy changes is to weed out older firefighters, many of whom began as volunteer in their teens.
Arnwine has told the fire departments in a letter that the policy would provide the means for the County Commission to set policy for fire and emergency services in Eddy County.
___
Information from: Carlsbad Current-Argus.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.