JEFFERSON, Ohio — The Jefferson Fire Department says it remains “fully operational, well-staffed and ready to respond to every call” after 13 resignations were submitted during Monday’s Village Council meeting.

David Locy officially took over as the department’s new fire chief on Oct. 1, following the retirement of the previous chief Tom Lachey. But according to firefighter Jake Rice, who spoke during the council meeting, major changes quickly followed the leadership transition.

Rice said that on Oct. 2, three captains were told to resign. Rice described the meeting which he said had a tone of no discussion, no argument and that all things stated would be final. He claimed none of the three captains have ever received a poor review.

Rice said that after the new chief was appointed "we

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