At the start of the new year, long time Fire Chief Barry Finley will hang up his helmet and move on from the Youngstown fire department.

The decision comes after what he describes as eight years of disrespect and turmoil with the fire union.

Finley exclusively told 21 News Reporter Sydney Canty, "I cannot lead because they won't let me. I can't get these firefighters to get me to lead them where they need to go."

In his resignation letter to Mayor-elect Derrick McDowell, he said he's "...worked hard, trained hard and given his very best to lead the Youngstown Fire Department with integrity, courage and a deep commitment to public safety."

Tensions with the union have bubbled over in the last few years, from paraphernalia floating around the department that said "FBF," an apparent profa

See Full Page