After the new chief moved to oust three captains, 13 Jefferson firefighters resigned, taking 133 years of experience

By Warren Dillaway
Star Beacon

JEFFERSON, Ohio — More than 30 people attended a Jefferson Village Council meeting Monday in support of three captains who were asked to resign two days into the leadership of new Jefferson Fire Chief Dave Locy and his assistant, Bob Gregg.

Jake Rice represented the group and read a written statement about an Oct. 2 meeting where he says the new leadership asked for the resignation of three captains, who brought 55.5 years of service to the department.

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“We knew there were internal department issues that needed to be addressed, no more than that of others no matter where you work,” he said. “We were ready to move forward as a team to bring back morale, teamwork, and energy throughout the department. That all has changed because we inadvertently do no fit the agenda of the new regime.”

He said the tone of the meeting was set in such a way that there would be no discussion or arguments, and everything stated was final.

Rice maintained that all three captains had not been spoken to about professional issues, or had any disciplinary actions against them.

“You have appointed a new wave of iron fist warriors with an agenda that, if you do not fit, you are not welcome,” Rice said. “It is a sad day for the village of Jefferson, Jefferson Township, and Lenox Township residents we once served.

“Of these 13 resignations that you are receiving tonight, please note this is a combined total of 133 years of dedicated service to this department, as well as the only three Ohio state certified fire inspectors, and one of two Ohio state certified fire investigators,” he said.

After the reading, the firefighters and their supporters left the meeting.

Prior to the statement being read, Mayor James Chiacchiero said the council would not be commenting on any confidential matters relating to the fire department.

In the second public comment portion of the meeting, candidate for Lenox Township trustee John Maylish asked village administrators how many firefighters remained and what was being done to ensure proper coverage for area residents.

Chiacchiero said there were 10 remaining firefighters, and the village was in the process of securing more.

Locy did not return calls requesting comment.

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