On Monday, Frank Meehling II, the chief of the Chesapeake-Union Volunteer Fire Department resigned from his position.

Meehling objected to a ban, recently put in place, on allowing firearms in the department.

Along with his assistant chief, Joey McMaster, who will now serve as acting chief, Meehling and his wife expressed concern for members of the department, who are often called out late at night to accidents and overdose calls.

Chesapeake’s mayor Tommy Templeton and members of village council said they were not opposed to the idea of fire crews having arms, but that the ban had to be enacted for cost reasons.

The village would have to pay $2,500 for insurance to cover liability if fire crews continued to carry arms.

It is understandable that crew have issues with this ban, as they are often first on the scene in situations which could be potentially life threatening.

However, it is also a reality that villages and townships like Chesapeake and Union are strapped for cash and have to cut expenses.

It is our hope that leaders and the community can get together and find a funding solution or a way to work with law enforcement to protect crews on the scene.

It would be a shame if the response and availability of services would have to be curtailed if crews are not guaranteed basic safety.