Amber Williams resigns as Chouteau fire chief alongside 11 staff members
The Chouteau fire chief, Amber Williams, resigned alongside 11 staff members during a town meeting, leaving the local department with just six personnel.
Former Chouteau Fire Chief Amber Williams stepped down Tuesday night during a town hall meeting. The sudden mass departure leaves the local emergency department with only six remaining personnel. Over a dozen public safety workers also stepped down from their posts.
Multiple members of emergency service units were set to face demotions or termination. The police chief was among the workers facing possible action. Williams chose to step down along with 11 other workers instead.
The entire emergency team previously had 17 members. Chouteau now has one full-time employee. The town also retains five volunteer workers.
“I stand behind my volunteers, if they’re gonna walk out, i’m with them,” Williams said. “Whenever I come in as chief, I set standards for the department. These guys have rose to those standards. I can’t tell you how many hours of training they put in, how many hours they spend away from their family. All the things that they go through to be a volunteer. And they rose to those standards. I can’t ask anything else of them and that the city council don’t seem to appreciate that. So if it takes this department walking out to see change on that board, then I guess that’s a sacrifice we’re willing to make.”
Williams blamed the town board for the walkout. She cited a lack of communication from leadership. She also noted a lack of daytime help.
Municipal town boards oversee local administrative decisions and municipal department operations. Volunteer fire departments rely on unpaid community members to assist career emergency personnel. Departures can affect operational planning during routine shifts.
The resignations took effect immediately in Chouteau. Town officials have not announced replacements.
