Tensions ran high at the West Frankfort City Council meeting Tuesday night after Fire Chief Derek Sailliez submitted his resignation during the meeting.
Council members briefly met in executive session before voting to keep the chief’s employment terms unchanged. About an hour later, Sailliez addressed the council, asked for clarification about the decision, and then handed the mayor a resignation letter.
The move drew applause from firefighters and supporters in attendance. The council took no action on the resignation because it was not listed on the meeting agenda.
Several residents later spoke in support of Sailliez during a lengthy and sometimes tense public comment period before the meeting adjourned.
