County Administrator Amy Lovoy has opted not to accept Escambia County Fire and EMS Chief Rusty Nail's rescinding of his resignation.

Nail had resigned on April 1 citing personal reasons, but notified Lovoy on Tuesday he had decided to rescind the resignation after the County Commission voted to hire Janice Gilley as the new administrator.

Lovoy replied back on Wednesday saying she was not "inclined to accept your desire to rescind your resignation" adding that Nail had previously attempted to resign once before and that he had not told her about the current issues in public safety until late January or early February.

She said Nail had attempted to resign in December 2018. When she asked Nail why he wanted to leave and if he would stay, he had said he was "certain" he wanted to leave, and the reasons were personal.

"Several days later, you asked to rescind that resignation, and I happily agreed," Lovoy wrote. "At NO point during any of these conversations did you mention ANY specific issues in Public Safety up to and including those currently in the media. In fact, you did not make me aware of any issues until late January, early February when Matt and I asked to initiate an investigation."

More:Pensacola nurse fights to change EMS policies after video of son's care at crash scene

Lovoy sent the email to Nail, as well as to all of the county commissioners. Escambia County spokesperson Joy Tsubooka shared Lovoy's email with the News Journal Wednesday after the News Journal's inquiry into Nail's status.

An hour after Lovoy sent the email, Nail replied back to Lovoy and the County Commission saying he respected her decision but wanted to offer his "impression for the record" of her narrative and dispute her statement that issues with public safety had not been brought forward.

"That said, protecting the county from liabilities, as well its image are why these ‘issues’ were not brought forward on a public scale," Nail wrote. "Rest assured they were brought forward in some form/fashion along with a plan for action."

Nail's reply was forwarded to the News Journal by Commissioner Doug Underhill.

Nail said he withdrew his resignation in December after meeting with former County Administrator Jack Brown, deciding to stay on after that meeting.

Lovoy said she had learned Nail had also met with Brown earlier in September about resigning, but Nail appeared to dispute the September meeting by striking through the text of Lovoy's sentence in his reply. Brown told the News Journal he only recalls meeting with Nail once regarding his desire to resign, believing it was in December.

Nail said he did not formerly mention any "issues" with public safety because he wanted any separation to be amicable and all issues he had brought forward to that point were "either ignored, deferred, or obstructed from correction."

Lovoy responded to Nail's email with a written statement to the News Journal.

Lovoy said the first time issues related to the current investigation were brought to her attention was during a meeting on Jan. 24, 2019 and she launched an internal investigation on Jan. 25, 2019.

"Additionally, former County Administrator Jack Brown and (Assistant County Administrator Matt) Coughlin took action in August 2018 to include the resignation/termination of some public safety employees, placing the fire chief over EMS and creating an open and direct line of communication between the chief and county administration," Lovoy said. "I must reiterate that we are very proud of our Escambia County Emergency Medical Service professionals. They are capable, qualified and committed to the safety and well-being of Escambia County residents."

Underhill said he believes there is a personality clash between Lovoy and Nail and believes Nail should stay on. He believes the commission will discuss the issue at its meeting Thursday.

"Chief Nail is an absolute asset and we'd be fools not to accept his rescinding his resignation," Underhill said.

As county administrator, Lovoy has the power to hire and fire any county employee other than the county attorney, although the commission ratifies the hiring of department heads.

Late Wednesday evening, the Escambia County Professional Firefighters, the union that represents paid firefighters in the county, sent a letter to Lovoy asking her to bring the decision on whether to undo Nail's resignation to County Commission.

"It is our firm belief that it is in the best interest of everyone involved to have the Board of County Commissioners provide direction in regard to the future leadership within Public Safety," wrote Nick Gradia, president of the Escambia County Professional Firefighters.

Nail said he wished the county success moving forward into the future.

"I also apologize for any additional strain created by having a change of heart," Nail said. "This after considering the Board’s recent progressive/positive actions, hearing Ms. Gilley’s vision, countless employees support, and prayers from citizens of this county."

Jim Little can be reached at jwlittle@pnj.com and 850-208-9827.

Read the email exchanges below.

Nail's letter rescinding his resignation:

Lovoy's response:

Nail's response