Jan. 16--Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Chief Jeff Collins attempted to pull back his resignation Monday just three days after it was announced.
Collins rescinded his resignation in a letter sent from his attorney to county officials, claiming he was coerced and intimidated into resigning his position during a meeting with County Administrator Verdenia Baker, Assistant County Administrator Nancy Bolton and Human Resources Director Wayne Condry.
"Mr. Collins was informed that he could either resign or be terminated effective immediately without being informed of the basis of the termination, his rights, or benefits," attorney Salim Punjani wrote in his letter to Baker.
Commissioner Steve Abrams said the letter is being reviewed by the county attorney's office. Baker has sole purview over hiring and firing decisions, he said.
Baker and Collins could not be reached for comment Monday. Baker had announced Michael Mackey would serve as interim chief.
The resignation came as the fire rescue department is embroiled in lawsuits over allegations that it fostered a climate of sexual harassment and racism.
Two employees, Capt. Amanda Vomero and Administration Division Chief Joey Cooper, have filed lawsuits accusing administrators of failing to protect employees from harassment.
Vomero’s lawsuit alleges that Fire Rescue Division Chief Chris Hoch taunted her in the office and made inappropriate sexual comments, saying "rumor is that" she was having sex with Cooper, who is her supervisor, and that he was "a little offended" she wouldn't have sex with him.
Hoch said Vomero liked black men and "that's why you want to hire all these black guys," the suit alleges.
Cooper accused Collins of retaliating against him for his role in investigating the harassment allegations.
Staff writer Sklyer Swisher contributed to this report.
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