SURRY COUNTY, N.C.
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The fire chief and 13 firefighters abruptly resigned last week after a board of directors meeting at the State Road Volunteer Fire Department.
Board President Sandy Spicer said former Chief Lanny Whittaker cited an inability to work with the board as a reason for his resignation.
Spicer said two of the 13 firefighters have since returned, and another one is expected to return.
The department had 44 firefighters on the roster. It now has 33, which Spicer said is more than enough to service public safety needs in the department's jurisdiction.
The assistant fire chief under Whittaker, Eric Hall, is serving as acting chief until a new chief is appointed.
Spicer's brother, Bradley Spicer, who is also on the board of directors, is currently the only person to apply to be chief. After applying to be chief, Bradley Spicer hasn't taken part in any board votes, nor will he vote on his own appointment to be chief, Sandy Spicer said.
The board won't vote until at least next month.
WXII has been unsuccessful in attempts to contact Whittaker for comment.
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