– Fire department chief resigns
– Fire department leadership resigns.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

NORTH COLLEGE HILL Firefighters Resign En Masse Due to Unresolved Issues

In a shocking turn of events, more than a dozen veteran firefighters in North College Hill, Ohio, have announced their resignation from the fire department. Citing unresolved issues and a perceived lack of accountability, these experienced individuals are taking a stand for what they believe in.

Mass Resignation

The North College Hill Fire Department is reeling from the news that 75% of its members are stepping down from their positions. This includes the fire chief, two deputy chiefs, a lieutenant, and a significant portion of the department’s most senior and experienced personnel. With nearly 170 years of combined service among those leaving, the impact of their departure cannot be understated.

City Response

Following the mass resignation, which will take effect on March 17, the department will be left with only 10 active-duty firefighters out of the current 25. This poses a significant challenge for a city with a population of 9,556 residents who rely on these brave individuals for their safety and well-being.

Issues at Hand

The firefighters have made it clear that their decision to resign was not taken lightly. They have raised concerns about the poor performance and hostile actions of two city officials, identified as Jennifer Ekey and Debra Eldridge. Despite their efforts to address these issues with the city government, the firefighters feel that their concerns have been ignored and left unresolved.

Call for Change

In a letter obtained by local news outlet WXIX, the firefighters expressed their frustration with the lack of accountability and intervention from the city administration. They believe that the safety of residents is at risk due to the ongoing issues within the department. By resigning en masse, they hope to prompt much-needed changes and improvements in the way the fire department is managed.

City’s Response

The city of North College Hill has responded to the mass resignations with a promise to address the situation and ensure the continued safety of its residents. While the ongoing investigation into the concerns raised by the fire department did not provide the desired outcome, the city has assured that there will be no interruption to the fire service.

Community Concerns

The North College Hill City Council held a special meeting to discuss the mass resignations, but no official action was taken. Residents who attended the meeting expressed their concerns over losing the majority of the fire department and the potential impact on public safety.

Financial and Administrative Issues

In addition to the personnel issues within the fire department, North College Hill has been facing challenges related to financial reporting and accounting. The city has struggled to retain a permanent financial director and was deemed “unauditable” in 2022 by the Office of the Ohio Auditor of State due to inadequate records.

State Investigation

A state investigation is currently underway regarding an alleged misuse of public funds in North College Hill. This investigation stems from concerns over timesheet manipulation within the city’s police department. The State Auditor’s Office Special Investigations Unit has been active in pursuing cases of fraud, with significant findings so far.

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1. Fire department chief resigns
2. Majority of fire department members resign.