Five Employees Leave Flagler Beach Fire Department in Two Weeks — Deputy Chief Cites Leadership Concerns

Five employees of the Flagler Beach Fire Department submitted resignations within a four-day window in mid-April 2026, a series of departures that leaves the department without its second-in-command and represents a significant loss of combined experience. The letters were addressed to Fire Chief Stephen Cox and, in one case, to the city’s Human Resources and Risk Manager. The resignations were submitted between April 13 and April 17, 2026, with final dates ranging from May 1 through May 8.

Deputy Chief Jennifer Fiveash: Leadership differences cited

Deputy Fire Chief Jennifer Fiveash submitted her resignation on April 15, 2026, in a memorandum addressed to Fire Chief Cox and copied to HR Director Liz Mathis and City Manager Mr. Martin. She noted that she completed her probationary period in December 2025 and stated her decision was based on what she described as professional differences in how the department’s leadership approaches supporting and managing employees, among other reasons not included in her resignation letter.

“After careful consideration, I have determined that continuing in this role is not the right fit. This decision reflects differences in leadership approach, particularly on how I believe employees should be supported and served. The line staff are a strong group and deserve consistent support from their administration in their day-to-day roles. There should also be cohesion at the administrative level built on trust, which I believe is critical to effectively leading and supporting the organization. Given this misalignment, I believe it is in the best interest of both the department and me to step away from the position.”

— Jennifer Fiveash, Deputy Fire Chief, Flagler Beach Fire Department

Fiveash said she would remain committed to a smooth and professional transition through her final day of May 8, 2026.

Lieutenant Morgan Rainey: Safety and well-being concerns after Fiveash’s departure

Lieutenant Morgan Rainey, who had served with the department for 14 years, submitted his resignation on April 16, 2026, to HR Director Liz Mathis. In his letter, Rainey stated that his decision was directly tied to Fiveash’s resignation, saying her departure changed how he sees the workplace environment.

“While I am proud of the work I’ve done and the experience I’ve gained, my time here has also been marked by ongoing challenges that have ultimately led me to prioritize my personal well-being. With the recent resignation of Deputy Chief Jennifer Fiveash, I no longer feel that the workplace provides a safe or supportive environment. Remaining under the current leadership, following the absence of Chief Fiveash, has raised serious concerns for me regarding both operational integrity and overall safety.”

— Morgan Rainey, Lieutenant, Flagler Beach Fire Department

Rainey’s resignation is effective May 8, 2026.

Lieutenant Trey Poeira: Decision follows Deputy Chief’s resignation

Lieutenant and EMT Trey Poeira submitted his resignation on April 17, 2026, to Chief Cox, with a final date of May 1, 2026. Poeira said he took time to reflect on his position after learning of the Deputy Chief’s departure and decided it was the right moment to move on.

“Following the recent resignation of the Deputy Chief, I have taken time to reflect on my position and have decided it is the right moment for me to move on and provide my two weeks’ notice.”

— Trey Poeira, Lieutenant/EMT, Flagler Beach Fire Department

Fire Inspector Bruce Adams: Pursuing new professional opportunity

Fire Inspector Bruce Adams submitted his resignation on April 17, 2026, effective May 1, 2026. Adams did not cite leadership concerns in his letter. He said he was leaving to pursue an opportunity that more closely aligns with his long-term professional goals, including a work environment with more consistent structure and support for professional development. He thanked the department for the opportunity to serve the City of Flagler Beach and said he would assist in ensuring a smooth transition.

Carlos Paltronieri: Probationary resignation

Carlos Paltronieri, who was in a probationary position with the department, submitted a brief handwritten resignation addressed to Chief Cox on April 13, 2026 — the earliest of the five departures. He stated simply that he was resigning from his probationary position and thanked the department for having him.

What the letters reveal collectively

Three of the five resignation letters — those from Fiveash, Rainey, and Poeira — directly reference the Deputy Chief’s departure or leadership concerns within the department as factors in the decision to leave. Adams cited a desire to pursue a better professional fit. Paltronieri gave no specific reason. None of the five letters name any individual other than Fiveash by name, and none make allegations of specific misconduct. The City of Flagler Beach had not issued a public statement regarding the resignations at the time these letters were obtained. Chief Cox did not respond to the resignation letters with any written comments included in the documents. More information about the City of Flagler Beach is available at cityofflaglerbeach.com.