Maben fire chief resigns

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Maben Fire Department Chief Justin Collins resigned Tuesday, citing personnel issues, according to sources.
Oktibbeha County Fire Coordinator Kirk Rosenhan said his departure is strictly an internal situation and a personnel matter.
"This present situation is the culmination of several issues that have developed over the last 1 (1/2) years," Rosenhan said. "They involve some personalities and related situations."
Collins, who had led the department since May 2011, reportedly claimed that 24 of 25 of the volunteers on the department's staff were also tendering their resignations.
Rosenhan said he was unaware that Collins had 25 active firefighters on his staff.
He said the department will hold a meeting to appoint an interim chief out of the department's active members shortly. The town of Maben will then have to decide how to fill Collins' vacancy on a permanent basis.
Rosenhan said Collins' departure will not affect Oktibbeha County Fire Services' ability to provide emergency response to residents.
"The usual mutual aid resources from Mathiston, Bell Schoolhouse, and Adaton/Self Creek (Volunteer Fire Departments) are available as requested.
"We're stepping forward and not worrying about the past," Rosenhan added. "We ensure the volunteer firefighters of Oktibbeha County are on the job and dedicated to continuing to provide services to the county."
The Maben Fire Department is run by the town of Maben and funded by Oktibbeha County.