Trussville Fire chief to retire

TRUSSVILLE, AL (WBRC) - Trussville Fire Chief Russell Ledbetter will retire effective February 1, 2017, according to the city council.

The council accepted his retirement at a special-called meeting Thursday, though Ledbetter was not at the meeting.

Ledbetter and Trussville Fire Marshal Steve Reasonover were placed on administrative leave in September after allegations of misappropriation of funds. Chief Ledbetter's leave with pay will expire November 29.

City Council President Anthony Montalto told us this involves accusations of the mishandling of funds with the city's volunteer fire department.

Outgoing mayor Eugene Melton has nothing but good things to say about Chief Ledbetter. He's been the chief since 2000.

"Both individuals have done the city a great job, that all I can say. As far say the personnel issues and stuff, I can't discuss that," Melton said.

Melton says this is still an active investigation.

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