The North Callaway Fire Protection District is down 13 people after the department's board of directors voted to fire the current fire chief and another volunteer.

"[The Board] was regrettably forced to vote to terminate the current fire chief and another volunteer after several months of attempts to address unacceptable behaviors," the Board's lawyer, Frank Flaspohler, said in a written statement.

Former department lieutenant Lucas Stassel joined in resigning from the FPD, who left Friday after a public meeting was canceled for lack of sufficient notice.

Stassel, who has worked with the department for over 10 years, said the initial firing happened Tuesday. He said the board wanted to allow members of the department to talk during a board meeting on Thursday, which was cancelled since meetings must be reported within 24 hours of notice.

"I'm furious beyond words. They lied to us,. They said that they were going to give us an opportunity to come in at a board meeting and talk. They did not give everybody that option," Stassel said. "I am so sorry to the community."

Stassel adds that the firings came with no warning, leaving personnel in the dark on what's next and the updated chain of command. Additionally, two months ago, the chief was given a positive review from the board with no actions needed.

"What was explained to me was that they had an option: either they retired now or they'd be fired. No other indications on what happened, why it happened, nobody will tell us anything," Stassel said.

Flaspohler wrote that the department followed policies and procedures. He also says fire protection coverage will continue through additional volunteers and mutual aid from neighboring departments.

The board is also beginning recruitment efforts for the fire department and invites anyone over the age of 18 to apply.