Cleveland Fire Department. Board calls for third-party investigation after mass resignations – Salisbury Post

CLEVELAND – A Facebook post In West Rowan’s news, events and fun site sparked concerns last weekend about the Cleveland Community Volunteer Fire Department’s ability to meet its daily operational needs.

The post said 15 firefighters had tendered their resignations from the fire department, citing Chief Kenny Payne’s administration as the reason. Although the post was anonymous, Mike Eller, president of the Cleveland Community Volunte Fire Department Board, confirmed that about a dozen firefighters of varying employment status had resigned.

CCVFD does not employ anyone full-time; It consists of part-time and voluntary employees.

Because the original post was published anonymously and attempts to speak to the author were unsuccessful, the Salisbury Post will not do so reproduce the allegations made against the department. Additionally, repeated attempts to contact Payne were not answered.

A statement from the Cleveland Community Volunteer Fire Department (CCVFD) board said members were “made aware of a social media article that makes serious allegations against the department.”

“The Board takes these allegations seriously and is taking the necessary steps to have each of them fully investigated by an independent party,” the statement continued. “The top priority of CCVFD and the board is to serve the citizens of our community.”

The fire department serves the Cleveland area but has no official connection to the city. It is part of the nationwide fire service provider. Rowan County Fire Department Chief Deb Horne said earlier this week that there were no emergency calls in the fire department’s service area was not answered and that there were still emergencies is answered without interruption.

The board will have a meeting on May 20 at 7 p.m. at Station 45, 11170 Hwy. 70/Statesville Blvd., Cleveland.