ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — The former fire chief of St. Johns County emerged victorious in a legal battle against the county, claiming a breach of his employment contract.

Scott Bullard tendered his resignation on October 4, 2023, stating that the decision was “recommended by the county administration.” His resignation also precluded him from reclaiming his prior role.

“I am compelled to resign, despite having done nothing to harm the county’s fire department,” Bullard expressed in his letter.

Subsequently, Bullard initiated legal proceedings against the county.

Nearly two years later, on Wednesday, October 22, a jury sided with Bullard. They affirmed the answers to key questions in the case:

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.”