Concern over strength and leadership of Cape May Co. Fire Dept.

DENNIS TWP. - A group of local volunteer firefighters is concerned about the strength and leadership of their former department.

During the Dennis Township's council meeting Tuesday night, several former members of the Ocean View Volunteer Fire Company voiced concerns about how well the department is serving the community. They believe lack of members has affected response time and could be jeopardizing public safety.

"Since 2010, chief and his officers have pushed out or thrown out 24 members of the fire company," said Bryan Moran, a former firefighter.

The chief, Joseph Gurdgiel Jr. told NBC 40 that the department has over 20 members serving the community, and takes in new volunteers every month. He went on to say that anyone who left the department did it on their own terms.

An investigation conducted by the New Jersey State Police and the County Prosecutor's Office, found that all allegations were unfounded.