(WKYT) – London Mayor Tracie Handley reportedly terminated the city’s fire chief and assistant fire chief, according to the London Ledger.
The London Ledger reported that Fire Chief Donnie Hale and Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Wagers were dismissed, effective immediately, due to concerns about department leadership, firefighter training requirements and an incident involving activating a fire alarm on Dec. 3, 2025.
A letter from the mayor to Hale details the incident, saying that Wagers activated the fire alarm at the Council Chambers at the City of London Community Center, claiming the room was overcrowded, according to the London Ledger.
In the letter to Hale, the London Ledger reported that Handley accused Hale of failing to restore order and protect the public, as well as acting hostile and unprofessional. She said had attendees panicked, people could have been seriously injured.
The letter to Hale also alleges that he failed to adequately investigate or discipline Wagers, or ensure compliance with firefighter training requirements.
The London Ledger said one of the allegations is about Hale’s personal training record, claiming that he only completed 25 hours out of a required 75 hours of training in 2025.