🚒 Spearman Firefighters Resign Amid Concerns Over Leadership and City Support

October 25, 2025

by Suzanne Bellsnyder, Editor

Social media lit up Friday morning after several members of the Spearman Volunteer Fire Department announced their resignations and posted statements outlining concerns about leadership and support from the City of Spearman.

The resignations — at least ten in total, according to multiple sources — reportedly stem from a lack of confidence in Fire Chief Paxton Heckman and frustration with how city officials handled internal concerns. Firefighters told the Reporter-Statesman they began raising issues with City Manager Justin Parker as early as March, seeking meetings to resolve leadership and morale problems. After months without resolution, they said their only remaining option was to step down.

This development marks the third major controversy surrounding city leadership in recent months, following missed financial audits and a proposed deficit budget that led to a property tax increase for residents. Together, these issues have raised growing concern among citizens about transparency and accountability at City Hall.

In a statement released Friday, the City of Spearman said it is aware of “recent developments within the Spearman Volunteer Fire Department” but could not discuss details because it is considered a personnel matter. The city emphasized that “fire protection and emergency response services remain fully operational” and noted that neighboring departments are on automatic mutual aid standby if needed.

City Manager Justin Parker stated:

“Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our citizens. Spearman Volunteer Fire Department remains staffed with dedicated volunteers ready to serve our community when they are called upon. The City will continue to work closely with the department to ensure uninterrupted emergency services for our community.”

A top-level firefighter told the Reporter-Statesman that the department roster included 22 volunteers prior to Thursday’s resignations, meaning nearly half have now stepped down. Several of the remaining members are not available to respond regularly, according to the same source.

The Reporter-Statesman has requested clarification from Parker about what “covered” and “fully operational” mean in practice, but no response has been received as of publication.

Former firefighters told the Reporter-Statesman that some retired and past members have offered to assist temporarily, though they emphasized this is not a substitute for a full roster of trained volunteers.

A review of the city’s fire department ordinance shows that the fire chief is appointed and supervised by the city manager, with the advice and consent of the city council. The city manager holds direct authority to oversee the department and can remove the fire chief “at any time by decision of the city manager confirmed by the city council.”

The ordinance also notes that the fire chief’s continued service depends on their “ability to command and hold the respect and confidence” of the firefighters under their supervision.

It remains unclear whether the city council was formally informed of the concerns raised by firefighters. Meeting minutes reviewed by the Reporter-Statesman contain no record of the issue being discussed publicly.

In an interview with a local radio station, Parker said he was not aware of the extent of the issues within the department:

“I can’t really say one way or the other. I mean, I can’t — just honestly, I don’t recall those words specifically. There’s been a lot of conversations and things happening, but I know there’s been some things going on. I can’t say I really foresaw this coming specifically, but I knew some changes were coming and probably gonna be a bit tough to get through. But like I said, I’m still 100% positive and have all the faith in the world in the department we have, and I know those guys are dedicated and ready to respond. They’re ready to go.”

He added, “I’m committed to the department we have. I’m gonna make sure they have everything they need to continue to serve the community.”

Parker’s comments appear to conflict with accounts from firefighters, who told the Reporter-Statesman they met and discussed their concerns about leadership and morale on several occasions. Those sources said Parker was aware of specific complaints and efforts to seek mediation months before Thursday night’s resignations.

The Reporter-Statesman will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.