Cashion Officially Decides Not To Pay Its Fire Chief

Dana Hertneky, News 9

CASHION, Oklahoma -- Things continue to heat up in Cashion. Despite protests from volunteer firefighters, the City made it official Monday night: they will no longer pay the fire chief.

Several residents and firefighters say they came to the meeting looking for answers but didn't get one. And when News 9 tried to talk to the mayor she slammed the door in our face.

The board made the decision swiftly without any public comment.

"It wasn't allowed," said one firefighter.

Residents say a notice was posted on the city hall door hours before the meeting saying anyone who wished to speak should have already signed up.

Still council members weren't able to stop fireworks after the meeting.

"Personally, I'm very upset," said Jim Robinson a volunteer firefighter.

Volunteer firefighters at the meeting say they were hoping for an explanation from the council.

"I'd like to know what they had in mind if they're not happy with what we're doing." said Greg Yearout another volunteer firefighter.

And without an answer that satisfies them firefighters with the department say they may call it quits.

"We enjoy doing it, we enjoy the brotherhood," said Robinson. "But it's not worth being harassed by the town board."

Without a fire department, residents are concerned about their insurance rates. A school board member says rates for the school could go up $10,000.

Chief Chantz Robinson was not at the meeting. He was fighting a fire. He has been asked to stay on as chief but hasn't decided what he will do.