A debate over beer led Elgin firefighters to hand in 21 pink slips last night, their two-week notice. The Elgin fire department has given a city council member an ultimatum — either she goes, or they go. During a meeting at the fire station last night, sheriff Ron Hills and the 20 members of the volunteer fire department gave their two-weeks’ notice, unless council person Jean Roach resigns by October 23rd. The situation started last week, when the Elgin Fire Department received a notice from the city’s insurance carrier that coverage would be dropped unless beer stored in the fire station’s refrigerator was removed. Roach brought up the issue to the insurance company when she discovered that beer was being consumed following the fire department’s regular meetings. She was asked to resign from the city council Monday night but refused, and refused again last (Wednesday) night. The council will discuss the matter at its next meeting, October 21st.
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