Afton Volunteer Fire Department faces changes after resignations

AFTON, N.Y. (WBNG) -- The Afton Volunteer Fire Department is going through major changes after at least seven firefighters resigned in recent weeks.

The town held its fire commission meeting Thursday night, where residents said they wanted answers.

After being asked by residents, Afton Fire Chief Blane Reiling read the seven resignation letters at a packed meeting.

Many former firefighters said the resignations stem from internal issues within the department.

“I regret ever walking into this place, to be completely honest,” said one of the resignation letters that Reiling read. “People here are too worried about people’s personal lives that have nothing to do with this place and want to go around and talk about people and think it’s not going to get back to them.”

Some of the former Afton volunteer firefighters who recently resigned were in attendance, including former second assistant chief Douglas Cassiliano.

“Nobody talks to us. Nobody explained what they’re trying to do, and obviously, there was an issue with a couple of members who wanted to be suspended and they were not because of personal issues,” Cassiliano said.

Another former firefighter said one reason he left involved concerns with the fire commission.

“They’re stuck in the old age, thank God for this camera system,” said a former firefighter.

Afton fire officials said they are open to finding new firefighters to fill the recently opened gaps in coverage