Avra Valley firefighters want chief removed

TUCSON, Ariz. - The fire chief of Avra Valley northwest of Tucson is expressing surprise that some of his firefighters are calling for his ouster.

The firefighters said they have lost confidence in the leadership of chief Tom Nix.

During a district fire board meeting Tuesday, 13 of the district's 17 employees presented a letter signed by 14 employees stating they had no confidence in the chief and want his resignation or termination.

Those who want Nix removed say he's not qualified to be chief and has failed in budgeting and leadership abilities.

Nix said he was ``blindsided'' by the allegations saying that no one had approached him about their concerns.

The fire board has scheduled a special meeting for next Tuesday to discuss what evidence firefighters have against their chief.