12 quit Millersville Rural Fire District after series of conflicts over spending

Twelve members of the Millersville Rural Fire District, including the chief, resigned at a board meeting Monday, throwing down their gear bags and walking out after a series of conflicts over spending, said former chief Jerry Aufdenberg.

A heated argument with an officer over equipment spending led to the resignations, Aufdenberg said. The department had been running low on both money and storage space for new vehicles, and the maintenance officer had been warned several times to cut back on spending, he said.

"We told him, that's taxpayers' money," Aufdenberg said.

When the argument escalated at the board meeting, Aufdenburg said, members of the department began tossing their gear bags down, signifying their resignation.

"I thought, well, if I stay, I'd be saying I'm OK with it," said Aufdenberg, who had served as chief of the fire district for the past five years.

Six firefighters and six officers resigned, leaving the department with 10 members.

Board members couldn't be reached for comment late Wednesday.