The City of Flagler Beach fired its Fire Chief on the morning of May 11, 2026. City Manager Dale L. Martin issued a termination letter to Chief Stephen Cox at 9:00 AM, effective immediately, citing a loss of confidence from the department’s own personnel as the reason for the dismissal.
Why Cox Was Fired
In his termination letter, Martin pointed directly to two actions taken by fire department staff as the basis for his decision: the resignations of several department members, and a formal no-confidence letter signed by the remaining firefighters still on staff.
“Your termination is related to the loss of confidence expressed in the resignations of several members of the Fire Department and in the attached correspondence signed by the remaining members of the Fire Department,” Martin wrote. “Given those conditions, I do not believe that you can effectively lead the City of Flagler Beach Fire Department.”
The city cited its own personnel policy in the termination letter, noting that all city employees are at-will and “serve at the pleasure of the city,” with no guaranteed right to continued employment unless a specific written contract exists.
What the No-Confidence Letter Said
The no-confidence letter, signed by the remaining members of the department, outlined several serious concerns about Cox’s leadership. The letter described what the signers called a pattern of behavior that contributed to a hostile work environment. Specific issues raised included communication practices described as “misleading, inconsistent, or lacking transparency,” as well as concerns about pressure being placed on employees to stay silent about problems out of fear of consequences.
The letter also alleged a breach of ethical standards, citing decisions made without clear communication or input from key stakeholders. Financial oversight was another concern raised, with the letter stating there was “a lack of transparency and accountability in financial decision-making” that raised questions about how department resources were being used.
The signers concluded: “For these reasons, we formally express no confidence in the Fire Chief. It is our position that meaningful change is necessary to restore trust, improve morale, and ensure the department can effectively serve both its personnel and the community.”
The letter was signed by seven employees: Morgan Rainey, Trey Pocira, Bruce Adams, Greg Evans, John Strickland, Jamal Prince, and Kayla Mullen.
Prior to the termination, the department had already seen the resignation of the Deputy Fire Chief and two senior members at the lieutenant rank.
Cox’s Options Going Forward
Under the terms of his dismissal, Cox has five business days to request an exit interview and a “name clearing hearing” with City Manager Martin and Human Resources Director Liz Mathis. The hearing would give Cox the opportunity to formally respond to the circumstances of his termination.
Who Steps In
Following the termination, City Manager Martin announced an interim leadership plan for the department. Deputy Chief Fiveash, who had previously submitted her own resignation, agreed to hold that resignation for approximately 45 days to help guide the department through the transition. Martin referred to her as Acting Chief Fiveash.
Lt. Morgan Rainey — one of the signers of the no-confidence letter — also agreed to return on a short-term interim basis.
“As an addendum, I have asked, and she has agreed, Deputy Chief Fiveash to hold her previously announced resignation in abeyance for the next approximately 45 days during the transition of Fire Department leadership,” Martin stated. “Thank you to both Acting Chief Fiveash and LT Rainey for their assistance at this time.”
Martin added: “I have full confidence in the remaining leadership and staff of the Fire Department to continue to provide the public safety support expected by Flagler Beach residents and businesses.”
Acting Chief Fiveash was out of town at the time of the announcement and is expected to return by the end of the week to assume the temporary role.
What Comes Next
Martin said the city’s Human Resources Department will work alongside fire department personnel to begin recruiting new permanent leadership. No timeline for that search was provided.
The City Commission and Human Resources Director Liz Mathis were copied on the termination letter.
Chief Cox had not issued a public statement to us as of the time of this report.
The post Flagler Beach Fire Chief Fired After Remaining Staff Sign No-Confidence Letter first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
