Coatesville Fire Chief Kevin Johnson last night denied that he has tendered his resignation, saying only that he has been having an open dialogue with his boss.

"I've had dialogue with my bosses," said Johnson. Asked specifically, if he had submitted a letter of resignation, he said: "I have tendered nothing."

"However, the ChesterCountyReporter.com has obtained a copy of a letter of resignation reportedly written by Johnson dated May 29. The letter is on official fire department stationary, but is unsigned.

"The letter is addressed to City Manager Harry Walker and reads:

""It is with deep regret and a heavy heart that I submit the following to you. Effective 30 June 2008, I do hereby resign the position of fire chief. I have thought long and hard and this was not an easy decision to make. This time frame will allow me to wrap up the pending court cases that are coming during the month.

""I have tried to move the fire department forward and at one time felt this was happening. I can (no) longer be part of an organization in which employees are continually allowed to ignore policies and procedures, ignore the chain of command and basic fire fighting principles. I can no longer accept the fact that employees are allowed to terrorize residents to forward their own agenda, nor can I accept the fact that employees can interfere with the hiring process of new employees.

""It has gotten to the point that all the stress and frustration has built up that it is affecting my family life. I strongly believe in the Coatesville Fire Department but I can no longer be part of the underhanded dealings of employees where undo stress has been created.

""I am very grateful for the support that you and Kirby have given me during the time I spent in this position. I am also grateful for the majority of council for their support as well. I truly believe that one day the misgivings of the fire department will be corrected and it will become a top notch department once again. I apologize that I can no longer lead this department in this endeavor but I cannot sacrifice my family or my health for this cause."

"Johnson took over the fire department in 2006, shortly after the previous council laid of Glen Davis, the city's full-time, paid fire chief because of budget cuts. Johnson, who works as a full-time firefighter at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, is paid $2,400 annually; he was recruited out of the city's volunteer firefighting ranks.

"Last year the Walker moved to reduce two, full-time, paid firefighters to part-time status, citing budget constraints. Local 3790 International Association of Fire Fighters fought the reduction and ultimately won, with both firefighters being returned to full-time status.

"Recently, the fire department has come under scrutiny for exceeding its budgeted overtime allotment. The city is now in the process of hiring additional full-time, paid firefighters.