Perry County - Some citizens in the Perry County community of Houston have some safety concerns.

The small town is without its volunteer fire department. The chief and more than 90% of the firefighters have resigned in protest over the appointment of a new city council member.

Both sides admit this controversy is just plain sad and a terrible thing for everyone in Houston.

After nearly a decade on the job Houston Fire Chief Scot Erwin resigned last week along with most of the volunteer fire fighters. Now the city has no fire company. Erwin quit in protest over the appointment of Jerry Lawson to the five member city council. Jerry's wife Anne is Houston's Secretary Treasurer and Erwin believes its a conflict of interest.


(Scot Erwin, Former Fire Chief) "I just felt the need to take a stand on the issue. I didn't want myself aligned with that type of council."

Lawson believes he is the right man for the job--he says the city council voted in favor of his appointment and his critics should just relax.

(Jerry Lawson, Houston resident) "I believe in the future when they get a little bit older that they'll realize what they've done and they just needed to grow up a little."

For the time being neighboring departments are taking care of the city's emergency needs. Houston's Mayor vetoed Lawson's appointment but the council can vote him into office next month.

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