ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, N.Y. -- The resignation of the St. Lawrence County Director of Emergency Services turned into a termination. Martin Hassett was asked to resign by the Board of Legislators after concerns regarding his performance were brought to their attention.

Controversy surrounded his forced resignation. On the day his resignation was to take effect, Hassett presented a letter to the County Administrator to withdraw his resignation. Legislator Joe Lightfoot said the letter claimed Hassett's resignation was given under duress and Hassett felt he was the best person for the position.

But Lightfoot said according to the Director of Human Resources, a resignation cannot be withdrawn once it has been accepted by the board. Lightfoot said, to his knowledge, Hassett was then terminated immediately.

Lightfoot is part of the committee in charge of filling the Director of Emergency Services position. He said the committee has already received more than 20 applications.

The County Administrator was out of the office Wednesday, and was not available for comment. Hassett had no comment.