The dispute traces back to Bullard’s resignation on October 4, 2023. In his resignation letter, he claimed that the county administration had recommended his departure and that he was unable to return to his prior role within the department.

Despite asserting that his actions had not negatively impacted the fire department, Bullard expressed that he was left with no choice but to step down. “I am forced to resign from this position, having done nothing to cause detriment to the fire department of the county,” he emphasized in his statement.

Subsequently, Bullard pursued legal action against the county, which culminated in the recent settlement agreement. The resolution of this case underscores the complexities of employment disputes and the importance of contractual clarity in public service roles.

Bullard later filed a lawsuit against the county.

Over two years later, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, a jury ruled in favor of Bullard. The jury answered yes to the following questions:

1. Did Mr. Bullard prove by the greater weight of the evidence that St. Johns County breached the Collective Bargaining Agreement by failing to revert him to a battalion chief position?
2. Did Mr. Bullard suffer monetary damages caused by St. Johns County’s breach of contract?

As part of the lawsuit, St. Johns County will pay Bullard $500,000 in damages. 

“Today was a great milestone,” Bullard told First Coast News. “We’re not done with this yet, but today was very vindicating.”