Nearly Half of Flagler Beach Fire Department Resigns, Chief Fired

Flagler Beach city manager shares more details about fire chief firing

City Manager Dale Martin terminated Fire Chief Stephen Cox following five resignations and a no-confidence document.

Nearly half of Flagler Beach Fire Department resigns, chief fired

The Flagler Beach Fire Department is facing major staffing challenges after five firefighters resigned within the same week last month, leaving the department with nearly half of its workforce gone and prompting city leaders to fire Stephen Cox, chief of the department.

Flagler Beach Fire chief terminated: What's next?

FULL PRESS CONFERENCE | City Manager Dale Martin fired Chief Stephen Cox at 9:00 a.m. on May 11, 2026, citing a complete loss of confidence in his leadership. Now, Martin said he needed to take action at the risk of losing the remainder of the firefighters employed for the city.