The West Elmira fire department is struggling to fill its ranks, and neighbors are worried about their safety.

In the past month, more than 15 firefighters have quit the volunteer department. Former member William Michalko says he was fired unfairly on January 10th.

When he left, 15 other volunteers turned in their gear by the end of the week.

The former firefighter says there were no disciplinary measures taken before he was fired. Neighbors attended a board meeting to express their concerns.

"A long time coming, we've had leadership issues here like the Lieutenant said for a couple of years,” said Michalko. “We've all stayed put, the community comes first. We're just at a point now where we can't do it anymore. Every time you come in here, someone is getting belittled, it's very hostile."

We're told members of the firefighter's board will be answering questions from the public, but did not give a timetable for when that would happen.