by The Associated Press
Goodland officials are scrambling to ensure fire protection when the resignation of the city's 12 volunteer firefighters takes effect March 5th.
The firefighters say they're quitting to protest Fire Chief Scott Gilmer, whose actions they believe have tarnished the department's image. At a meeting late Tuesday, Gilmer rejected the firefighters' request that he step down.
Volunteer Stan Duell cited Gilmer's recent 30-day suspension and his prosecution on a charge of trying to steal cigarettes last July from the wreckage of an overturned semi. A jury acquitted him of the charge in December.
