Buckeye Lake mayor names interim fire chief as council and residents respond to recent resignations

Mayor Linda Goodman introduced Jerry Brooks as Buckeye Lake’s interim fire chief and swore in a new firefighter as the village moves to stabilize its emergency services following recent staff departures.

Goodman told the council on Sept. 9 that Brooks, a firefighter with 42 years of experience who will serve as interim chief for 90 days, was invited back after review of personnel files and recommendations. She said the administration is accepting in-house applications and conducting an outside search, with Mayor Goodman, Councilor Sue Wadley, Clerk-Treasurer Amanda Hoppel and Councilor Tom Wolfe forming the review committee.

The mayor emphasized that the village remained protected during the staffing disruption because neighboring West Licking Fire Department provided rapid mutual aid. "The village was never not protected," Goodman said, adding that West Licking has demonstrated it can be on scene "in 3 minutes." She also said the village has appropriated about $80,000 in COVID and ARPA funds to upgrade fire equipment, uniforms and turnout gear.

Council members expressed support for the mayor’s actions and for the new staffing plan. Councilor Deb Julian, who chairs the Finance Committee, noted the administration is moving to ensure pay and scheduling changes approved by council were implemented for medics and core staff. Councilor Tom Wolfe and others welcomed Brooks and the newly sworn firefighter, Nevaeh Wall.

Two residents spoke during public comment about the matter. Charlene Hayden read a submitted comment concerning the former fire chief’s resignation. Jonathan Vince, a 10-year engineer, praised the village’s recent handling of the situation and urged professional conduct online; he also thanked staff and encouraged residents to use council meetings for formal discussion.

Goodman said the administration is following standard hiring procedures — applications, references and background checks — and that some delays resulted from awaiting background check results. She asked the public to support a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Oct. 19 (4–7 p.m.) to benefit the Buckeye Lake Fire Department and noted an upcoming town hall on the police levy on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.

The council directed further review of whether to convert the role to a full-time fire chief, with councilors recommending coordination among the Public Safety, Finance and Personnel committees to assess budget and regulatory impacts before any change would take effect Jan. 1, 2025.