(PIONEER) - Residents in the Village of Pioneer are organizing petition drives following last month's mass resignation of nearly the entire Pioneer Fire Department.
Community members gathered recently at Crommer Park, where organizers outlined two proposed petition efforts tied to concerns about village leadership and government structure.
One petition seeks to encourage Mayor Ed Kidston to resign. A second would place a proposal on the ballot asking voters whether Pioneer should adopt a charter form of government.
Organizers say the efforts are intended to increase accountability and give residents a greater voice in local decision-making.
The petition drives come after most of the village's firefighters resigned in April, leaving Pioneer to rebuild its department while relying on mutual aid support.
Mayor Ed Kidston said the village has appointed a new fire chief and that emergency services remain operational.
According to Kidston, Don Bertke, a 25-year veteran and former assistant chief, has been confirmed by village council as fire chief after previously serving in the role on an interim basis.
Kidston said no firefighters were fired or dismissed and that the previous leadership left following an 18-month probation period.
He also said the village continues to operate with a rebuilt fire department while receiving mutual aid assistance from Williams County agencies as staffing levels grow.
Community advocate Danielle Harrison disputed the mayor's characterization of the resignations, saying volunteer firefighters dedicated their time to serving the community.
Harrison says organizers are collecting petition signatures and will announce signing locations and times through social media and other community outreach efforts. She said volunteers also plan to conduct door-to-door canvassing as the campaign moves forward.