Luminary-Frostbite community without volunteer fire department
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For many years, the Luminary Frostbite Volunteer Fire Department has been in turmoil. The latest board for the department had a fire chief in place with years of experience and firefighters willing to be trained offering fire protection for their community. But, a previous fire chief who had been accused of misusing funds and equipment has reportedly continued to harass the members of the board and the firemen. On Monday, April 20, the entire board and fire department turned its keys into the Bledsoe County mayor’s office, disbanding the department.
Bledsoe County Mayor Gregg Ridley said the county had appropriated up to $10,000 for the department to operate on, but those funds were not released.
As for fire protection, Emergency Management Agency Director Ronald Hudson said the Luminary and Frostbite communities will have to depend on mutual aid from Rigsby and Nine Mile Volunteer Fire Departments, and Rhea County’s Fire Department.
Sandra Noe, who recently resigned as fire chief, said former chief Michael Steadham has continually harassed her and the board members. Several years ago when he was in charge, he “lived” at the fire hall and had those privileges removed. Mayor Ridley had his personal items including his gun safe, chair, television, computer, and food out of the fire hall, said Noe. He was told not to be back on the property but has continued to disrupt meetings and events at the fire hall.
“I want to stress, that one citizen, Michael Steadham, was the sole reason this department and the ones before us could not function,” said Noe. “We can not gain the communities’ trust and support without transparency, and when we gave them transparency, Michael would insist it was false. Michael also consistently posted false narratives and rallied support to believe his narratives which usually only contained half truth or whole lie. He is banned from other area departments for this same reason. We did not want to leave our community unprotected. We were harassed and bullied out.”
“I feel robbed of being able to help my community,” said Noe. “When he has poisoned so many of our neighbors that the will not show up, come and vote, support or socialize because from the time we open the doors, he’s there, spitting lies day in and day out.”
Recently resigned board members agree with Noe on how Steadham has poisoned the community with his behavior.
“We’re not the only board he has done this too,” said Nancy Brady, recently resigned board member.
Since he was removed from office several years ago, he has allegedly caused havoc for those who were willing to serve.
One of the newest members who had been serving stated, “I showed up late to this board, I came in at the very end, very motivated to move mountains. Michael attacked me within mere hours of being voted in before I ever lifted a finger.”
Many threatening posts have been made on social media by Steadham concerning the fire department. He has reportedly sent letters to the State Comptroller’s office concerning the department, accusing them of doing some of the same things hew was accused of doing.
Noe said the board and firefighters who resigned had raised $12,500 through community dinners and events. Those funds were turned over the County when the department disbanded.
“Don’t forget that the $12,500 was raised by an amazing board, but we just couldn’t muster any volunteers,” said Noe. “Though we were ridiculed endlessly, without cause, our department was run legally!”
Noe and the former board members hope Rigsby Volunteer Fire Department will make the Luminary Frostbite department its Fire House #3 and work with the community on fire protection, since Rigsby is a soundly operated department.
