OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Tensions were running high Wednesday evening at the annual Wapello County Rural Fire Department meeting.

For a meeting that usually focuses on the department’s finances and business affairs, which this one did, there was also some negative feelings from some gathered due to Wes Woten not be elected chief of the department again.

A new chief was appointed by the board Wednesday, who happened to have the most votes coming out of last month’s election, Bryan Ziegler.

Ziegler told KTVO that it is sad that a type of division has happened within the department, because they are like family, but he agreed that it is time to move on.

“We work together for years and there is no need to say it any other way. They are our family and we see each other in the middle of night; and we see each other when we are under stress and so that is correct. Yet, the members that are still remaining on the department are good people and we are going to be able to move forward fast,” said Ziegler.

Woten did not attend Wednesday’s meeting, however members of his family did. His son Curtis, who resigned his position as well, told KTVO that he had some great memories with the department, but due to recent events, he has decided to move on.

Others gathered at the meeting told the crowd that if they, meaning the firefighters, have issues with one another, they need to get them resolved; being that when they go to a fire call, their lives are on the line.

Others reiterated that those within the department cannot blame the fire board for the problems the department has been experiencing. 

One man said that the department needs to stay together as a team, being that if they do not have that, they have nothing.

Ziegler said going forward the department will be focusing on training and working with other local fire departments.

The department, which is served by volunteers, serves six townships. Cass, Center, Dahlonega, Green, Keokuk and Richland. They also serve the town of Chillicothe.