BELLEAIR BEACH, Fla (WFLA) — It’s on to a new chief for the Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue.

The board of commissioners accepted Fire Chief Jeffrey Davidson’s resignation following allegations of misconduct filed against him in 2024.

A report found 90% of the workforce lost faith in Davidsons’ leadership. Two of the 10 allegations against him were sustained. They include hostile work environments, favoritism, violation of medical privacy laws, discrimination, and more.

On Thursday night, the fire chief came prepared with binders and handouts, defending himself to commissioners.

“The things I’ve had to endure, my wife has had to endure,” Davidson said. “To hear from people and their personal opinions when they don’t know the facts is unacceptable.”

The fact-finding inquiry details events where the fire chief was allegedly handling a firearm in the presence of other employees and made concerning comments. The report ultimately found that this situation was not dangerous.

During the meeting, there was mention of an email sent to commissioners where the chief allegedly drove a district vehicle to a poker room.

“You are wasting taxpayer dollars,” said Commissioner Jacob Knighton. “Going to the poker room or going to derby lane poker center at one o’clock in the morning is not the responsibility of the taxpayer to do that.”

During public comment, one man, who is in a relationship with a woman mentioned in the complaint, spoke up to defend her, and urged the commissioner to let the fire chief go.

“He’s doing something completely outside his contract,” he said.

The chief resigned in December but was willing to rescind it Thursday night. There was a motion, and a second to decline his resignation, but it didn’t pass.

“It starts at the top. And while there’s been great things done by Chief Davidson, he’s lost the support of those that he supervises,” said Commissioner Heather Fleming Koskinas.

The board moved on to find out a process for applications and who is going to replace the fire chief.

“I’m telling you, there’s no credible — that I believe — fire chief that is going to come here knowing everything that’s been put out there, to work here and they’re going to have the same issues,” Davidson said. “Just be careful who you select.”

A man stepped up to the podium during public comment, offering himself as an interim chief. Chris Wilfong served as a deputy chief in Useppa Island.

“As your interim fire chief, I’m fully committed to fostering a culture of peace, unity, and stability,” Wilfong said.

Commissioner Koskinas said she didn’t want to feel like this person was being planted at the meeting by the firefighter’s union. The board agreed to post the job online.

A union member did speak up during the meeting and asked to be involved in the review of applicants. The board approved.

News Channel 8 tried speaking with the union, however they declined to speak with the media. They did say they are ready to move forward.

The job will be posted Monday, Jan. 6. Applications will close on Jan. 20.

The chief’s last day will be Feb. 21. He said he is committed to continuing to work on a few major projects with the department and will help with a smooth transition of new leadership.