CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (KWWL) — Iowa State Senator and Cedar Falls Firefighter Jeff Danielson says he is resigning from both the Iowa State Senate and the Cedar Falls Fire Department, effective immediately.

Danielson tells KWWL News his resignations are directly related to the ongoing dispute over the use of Cedar Falls Police Officers being cross-trained to also work as Cedar Falls Firefighters in the City’s Public Safety Officer program.

The 48 year old Senator says he is leaving two jobs he loves, but, of the Cedar Falls Fire Department controversy he says, “The situation has gotten so bad I have to leave.”

Over a 12-month period, Danielson says 10 firefighters have resigned amid the ongoing debate over the use of Public Safety Officers.

A Democrat, Danielson is serving his fourth term, representing Iowa Senate District 30, which includes Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Hudson. Governor Kim Reynolds will have to set a date for a special election to fill Danielson’s Senate seat.

Danielson says has already lined up another job, which will keep him in Cedar Falls. He will announce that new position within just a few hours, he says.

Watch Ron Steele’s complete interview with Danielson during Thursday’s KWWL News at 5 below: