Bourbon Fire Board Votes To Demote Whatley

The Bourbon Fire Protection District board voted on July 11 to demote Daniel Whatley as the chief.

Whatley had served as chief since 2009. He confirmed the demotion to the Independent News on Monday.

The board's vote has spurred protest from Bourbon Fire members, which they pledge will remain in place until Whatley is reinstated.

Firefighters who have signed the pledge say they are still continuing fire suppression and rescue activities. Assistant Fire Chief Jared Boast said there are firefighters in place to respond to emergencies, but they are currently expressing a disinterest in station duties as part of their disagreement with the board's decision.

More details on this story are available in the July 17 issue of the Independent News. A follow up story will be published in the July 24 issue.