- May 11, 2026
Flagler Beach Fire Chief Stephen Cox has been terminated following weeks of turmoil inside the department that included the resignation of five firefighters citing concerns over leadership.
Cox, who had served as fire chief for about a year and spent roughly 16 years with the Flagler Beach Fire Department overall, was informed of his termination in a letter from City Manager Dale Martin dated May 11. The firing was effective immediately.
The firing comes after multiple members of the Flagler Beach Fire Department resigned and remaining employees submitted a signed letter expressing no confidence in Cox’s leadership.
“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 in the termination letter. “Given those conditions, I do not believe that you can effectively lead the City of Flagler Beach Fire Department.”
The controversy follows reporting published by the Observer on April 30 detailing the resignation of five department members, who cited leadership concerns and declining morale within the agency.
The attached correspondence from remaining department members outlined concerns involving transparency, leadership, accountability and department morale. The letter referenced recent leadership turnover, including the resignation of the deputy fire chief and two senior department members.
Employees also raised concerns regarding ethical standards, financial oversight and communication within the department, writing that confidence in leadership had eroded.
“For these reasons, we formally express no confidence in the Fire Chief,” the employees wrote in the signed statement attached to the termination letter.
In an addendum statement issued Monday, Martin announced that Deputy Chief Fiveash has agreed to pause her previously announced resignation for approximately 45 days during the leadership transition. Martin said Fiveash, who is currently out of town, is expected to return later this week and serve as acting chief on a temporary basis.
Martin also said Lt. Morgan Rainey has agreed to return on a short-term interim basis to assist the department during the transition.
“Thank you to both Acting Chief Fiveash and LT Rainey for their assistance at this time,” Martin said in the statement. “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.”
Martin added that the city will begin the process of recruiting new fire department leadership with assistance from the city’s human resources department and current fire personnel.
Martin’s termination letter notes that Cox may request an exit interview and “name clearing hearing” within five business days.
Below is the full termination letter and attached no-confidence correspondence provided by the City of Flagler Beach:
TERMINATION LETTER
“Please be advised that you are being terminated from your service as the Fire Chief of the City of Flagler Beach, effective immediately (9:00 AM, May 11, 2026).
As indicated in the City’s Personnel Policy, Section I.1, Generally:
(c) All employees are at-will and serve at the pleasure of the city and no employee shall have any vested rights in his or her employment or in the practices and procedures set forth in these personnel policies except only by a specific written contract. It is the intent of the city to have a mutually beneficial relationship with each employee. Each employee should endeavor to improve his/her performance and skills to enable the city to offer quality service to the public and provide opportunities for advancement of employees.
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. Given those conditions, I do not believe that you can effectively lead the City of Flagler Beach Fire Department.
At your option, within five business days, you may request an exit interview and a ‘name clearing hearing’ with myself and Ms. Liz Mathis, Human Resources Director, to respond to your termination.
Thank you for your service to the City of Flagler Beach. I wish you well in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Dale L. Martin
City Manager”
NO-CONFIDENCE LETTER
“These conditions have diminished trust, limited open communication, and contributed to a measurable decline in morale throughout the department. The severity of these issues is further evidenced by recent leadership turnover, including the resignation of the Deputy Fire Chief and two senior members of the department at the lieutenant rank.
In addition, there are serious concerns regarding a breach of ethical standards and a lack of transparency in actions taken by the Fire Chief. Decisions that directly impact personnel and operations have been made without clear communication, sufficient justification, or appropriate inclusion of relevant stakeholders. This has eroded confidence in leadership and created ongoing uncertainty within the workforce.
Deficiencies in leadership have also been evident in the failure of the Fire Chief to effectively manage personnel, address concerns, and maintain accountability. Rather than fostering a culture of professionalism, cohesion, and trust, the current approach has contributed to division, disengagement, and a continued decline in confidence among staff.
Further concerns have been raised regarding financial oversight and management practices under the Fire Chief. A lack of transparency and accountability in financial decision-making has created legitimate questions about resource allocation and stewardship. This directly impacts the department’s ability to operate efficiently and maintain public trust.
Lastly, there is a growing perception of neglect of duty in key responsibilities of the Fire Chief. This includes a failure to address known issues, provide appropriate support to personnel, and uphold the standards expected of the position. These shortcomings have compounded existing concerns and continue to negatively affect the organization.
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.”
