McCurtain County accepts several volunteer fire‑department resignations; some appointments approved

The McCurtain County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 9 accepted a string of resignations from local volunteer emergency boards and approved several appointments to the Hoptown Volunteer Fire Department board.

The board accepted an emailed resignation from Brandon Stout from the McCurtain County Development Board after Stout said he no longer agreed with recent board handling. Commissioners also accepted resignations effective Nov. 18, 2024 from Teresa Haggard, who stepped down as secretary of the Hoptown Volunteer Fire Department, and from Vice Chair Betty Sher. Stephanie Hardway also resigned from the Hoptown department, citing recent surgery and health concerns.

Why it matters: The departures reduce the pool of volunteer board members and triggered a short round of appointments and background-check reviews to restore a quorum for the Hoptown board.

What the board did: The board moved to accept each resignation and recorded the motions as approved by voice vote. Commissioners urged returning any department documents from departing members and thanked them for service.

Appointments and follow-up: The board discussed multiple candidates. A background check and residency review led commissioners to appoint Mr. Jagger (referred to in the meeting as Mr. Jagger) to a vacant seat; the board noted he is a resident of the Hoptown fire district. The panel declined to appoint Marilyn Wade after staff reported no response to calls and background-check requests.

The appointment of Joseph Underwood was tabled after commissioners raised concerns about whether an active firefighter should serve on the board; the board voted to delay action and return the item to a future agenda so bylaws and conflicts could be reviewed. Commissioners approved the appointment of Johnice (referred to in the record as Miss Johns/Johnice) after reviewing a background check; one commissioner abstained from that vote because her uncle is employed by the abstaining commissioner, who said she wanted to avoid any appearance of favoritism.

What’s next: The board directed staff to return the tabled appointment to the next agenda with bylaws and any legal guidance about firefighter board membership. Departing members were asked to return department materials to the sheriff’s office or county clerk as appropriate.

Speakers quoted or cited in the meeting: Brandon Stout (resignation letter, McCurtain County Development Board), Teresa Haggard (resignation as secretary, Hoptown Volunteer Fire Department), Stephanie Hardway (resignation, Hoptown Volunteer Fire Department), Betty Sher (resignation, vice chair), Mr. Jagger (appointed board member), Joseph Underwood (appointment tabled), Johnice (appointed board member).

Ending: The board completed the personnel items and moved on to infrastructure and budget-related business on the agenda.