FD members quit in leadership spat

WEST TOPSHAM—Half a dozen area firefighters resigned last week after a combustible association annual meeting.
Six firefighters resigned from the Tri-Village Fire Department on Sept.1, citing dissatisfaction with leadership, the current trustee board’s incompetence, lack of professionalism, and the risk of allowing untrained personnel to operate apparatus and attend working fire scenes.
According to TVFD Chief Rich Sampson, who has held the post for close to 12 years, the department is functioning normally and the resignations will not affect the department’s ability to respond to emergencies with sufficiently trained personnel. He said approximately 23 volunteers remain.