Area chief taking leave

REDFIELD -- Redfield Fire Department Chief Gary Judd recently announced that he will not be responding to any calls for the department until further notice.

When contacted by the Tribune, Judd had no comment regarding his temporary leave of absence. He would only say it was for "personal reasons."

The news about the change for Bourbon County District No. 4 fire department came via an email Judd sent to county officials regarding his decision. Judd did not elaborate any further in the email stating, "I'm doing this for personal reasons. If and when at any time in the future I'm able to continue responding, I will start to do so again."

Judd was reportedly injured when he responded to a recent fire, but this could not be confirmed.

Bourbon County Emergency Manager Keith Jeffers said the situation is "not a big deal".

"He just needs to take some time off," Jeffers said. "He's still the fire chief."

In the email, Judd said area departments and volunteers within his own department have been notified of his temporary departure.

Eric McKay, Scott Township Rural fire chief, said Redfield and Scott Township have had an ongoing "aid agreement" for more than a year. Any call made to either department is received by both.

"So they're covered," McKay said.

Judd's decision comes on the heels of recent resignations within the Garland Rural Fire Department.

On Monday night, a special meeting of the Drywood Township board was held to discuss the future of the department under newly appointed Fire Chief Dennis Krom. Multiple resignations, including that of former chief Jarred Dunlay and three other fire department volunteers, led to the involvement of the Drywood Township board and the nomination of Krom.

Since then, the department has recruited two new department members to replace the four that left, Krom said. He also said he would like to have regular, monthly contact with board members to ensure an open line of communication between officials.

"Sounds like we're on the right track to me," one board member said.