Fire Chief McCain Resigns

Cedar Key's Fire Chief, James McCain, resigned during the Public Comments agenda item at the City Commission's June 3 meeting. McCain made his resignation effective immediately. Commission members and audience members expressed shock and disappointment at McCain's announcement.

Speaking during the newly instituted Public Comments opportunity on the agenda, Chief McCain said that the failure to reappoint Police Chief Bubba Castell brought on his decision. Water and Sewer District board member Dottie Haldeman responded to McCain's announcement. She suggested that newly elected Commissioner Scott Dennison acted too quickly in voting against Castell's reappointment. She added that perhaps new Commission members should have a "probationary period" for two or three months before judging a situation. Mayor/Commissioner Heath Davis rejected McCain's resignation, as did other Commissioners. Davis promised to make McCain reconsider his action.

Fire Chief James McCain upon acceptance of Thirty Years of Service plaque.

Chief McCain's resignation came just three days after he was honored for thirty years of service to the Cedar Key Volunteer Fire Department. McCain's long service was recognized at the Fire Department's open house May 31 at which much improved rating of the local fire protection and reduction of homeowner insurance costs were announced.

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