Small Illinois town without daytime firefighters after nine resignations

MAROA, Ill. -- The fire department in the small central Illinois city of Maroa doesn't have people to cover the day shift after nine firefighters resigned last week.

Former assistant fire chief Jamie Zombro said he's concerned with the quality of training and doesn't have confidence in chief Larry Peasley's leadership.

Peasley said the department's hands-on training is comparable to other departments'. He said a difference of opinion is expected in any leadership situation.

Peasley said he has contacted nearby departments to cover the day shift and he'll seek new members with an aggressive recruitment drive.

The resignations occurred Tuesday.