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Jacksonville council appoints two firefighters; village to cover training cost for one recruit
Summary
The Village of Jacksonville Council appointed Welch and Nichols to the fire roster June 24, 2026. The council also approved an exception to its cost‑share policy so the Village will pay full training costs for Welch after he did not receive his exam attempts.
The Village of Jacksonville Council voted June 24 to appoint two applicants, Welch and Nichols, to the Village fire roster. Fiscal Officer Heather Rockwell told the Council that BCI background checks for both applicants had just arrived and showed no findings. Councilperson Eric Clift moved to appoint the two candidates; "All Council members voted 'yes'," the minutes record, "except Councilperson Butch Chapman who abstained due to being a member of the fire department."
Council also considered a training-cost dispute involving Welch. Rockwell said Welch previously completed a firefighter training course but had not been given three opportunities to take the certification exam. Councilperson Rachel Gratz moved to allow an exception and have the Village pay the full cost for Welch to retake training. The motion passed with the same abstention by Council President Leonard "Butch" Chapman. The minutes state the Village will cover the training cost so Welch can retake the course and pursue certification.
The measures clear two additions to the roster and resolve the immediate training‑cost question; the Council recorded its motions and votes in the meeting minutes. No additional disciplinary or certification details were provided in the transcript.
