10 Illinois firefighters walk off job after man convicted of arson appointed new chief

Ten out of 13 firefighters with a volunteer Illinois department have quit after their chief was replaced by a man once convicted of arson.

Fire Chief John Rosenkranz was removed from his post and replaced with Assistant Chief Jerame Simmons, at a fire district board meeting in East Carondelet on Monday, FOX 2 reports. The newly-appointed fire chief pleaded guilty to arson more than 20 years ago when he was just 18. The two can be seen in video seated at the same table when the change was made.

Jerame Simmons is reportedly the son of Herb Simmons, who is the long-time director of the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency. He was accused of setting fire to a vacant home and setting another, smaller fire, at Dupo High School. He served probation, but said Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has since pardoned him.

This is an excerpt from Fox News. Read the full article here.

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