An apparent, ongoing dispute over who has control of monies raised for the Shelby Volunteer Fire Department has resulted in the City firing all of its volunteer fire fighters and relying on help instead from nearby crews from Avoca and Minden, and other help from within Shelby and Pottawattamie Counties. WOWT Channel 6 in Omaha reported Tuesday the fire department’s building and equipment remain, but only the fire chief was retained.

Mayor Pro Tem, Bob Richmond, wouldn’t comment on the reason the volunteers were fired, but he said the City wants to rebuild the department with volunteers who are willing to work within the accountability of the city. There’s no set date for when the city hopes to have the fire department back together.

Officials with the City of Shelby say anyone can submit an application to the Fire Chief, including those who were fired, but Richmond said they will have to discuss the current situation with the applicants, regardless of whether they are new or former members of the department.