The Corpus Christi Caller-Times
GREGORY, Texas — Gregory City Council voted 3-1 Wednesday to bring back 21 volunteer firefighters, including the chief, who were dismissed last week by Mayor Victor Lara.
Councilman Jerry Rivera Sr. moved to bring back the volunteer firefighters, which passed with Mayor Pro Tem Joyce Salinas casting the lone dissenting vote.
“Justice was served today, the city did the right thing,” said Fire Chief Mike Kohner. “We have a good fire department here.”
Lara said he had some concerns with the volunteer fire department about fuel expenses and safety issues, such as a fire engine being damaged during a structure fire on New Year’s Eve, but probably should have handled the situation differently.
He told the overflow crowd of about 50 at Wednesday’s special meeting that he acted last week without the approval of the City Council.
“It’s a lack of experience, but we learn from our mistakes,” Lara said later.
The volunteer firefighters said they look forward to putting this experience behind them and getting back to work. Many worked before the council’s action responding to a fire northeast of town and about 5 miles south of Bayside Wednesday.
“We’re happy to be back,” said Cassie Rosebrock, who has been a volunteer firefighter for more than a year. “We just want to help the citizens of Gregory and now we will be able to.”
“I put my life on the line for this city and I love it,” said Lt. Jack McCarty, who has been fighting fires the past seven years. “We weren’t going to back down from a fight. We have a great chief and I’m thankful for all of the firefighters that I work with.”
Kohner, who has been chief about six months, said he is willing to allow the 10 firefighters brought in after the dismissal to remain with the department if they want.
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