Plymouth’s Top Two Fire Officials Resign on the Same Day
Plymouth’s fire department was left with a significant leadership gap this week following the abrupt resignations of Fire Chief Rodger Coppa and Assistant Fire Chief Steve Baker.
Plymouth spokesperson Emilie Kastner said that Coppa, who had served in that position since 2015, and Baker, who served for six years, announced their resignations on Monday, Nov. 3. Plymouth does not require city employees to provide a reason for resignation.
“The City of Plymouth is thankful for their service to the community, and we wish them the best in their future endeavors,” Kastner said in an email.
Coppa addressed the resignation on his LinkedIn page, saying “In my eyes, the city of Plymouth leadership and I have different visions for the fire department and I therefore made the decision to leave the organization.”
Baker, meanwhile, called the decision “difficult” on Facebook.
“This choice comes from a place of reflection and renewal. It’s time to pause, to regain balance, and to prepare for what’s next. My journey of service is not over; I still have more to give,” Baker said in the social media post.
Kastner said Assistant Fire Chief Andy Etzel has been appointed interim fire chief. There will be no disruption to department operations. Chief Etzel, along with the department’s four other chiefs, will continue to provide leadership and direction for the department.
