Lexington Fire Chief Resigns after 20 years of service, citing secrecy, lack of accountability, and ignored department needs as reasons for his departure.

For more than two decades, Keefe A. Radtke served the Village of Lexington, Michigan, steadily rising to Fire Chief. On September 16, 2025, the Lexington Fire Chief resigned effective immediately, alleging the Village Council forced his departure without explanation or due process.

In a public statement, Radtke said his request for clarity was ignored. He charged that there were no meetings, no disciplinary actions, and no misconduct record, yet the Council demanded his resignation. “That silence speaks volumes,” he wrote.

Radtke’s service includes eight years as Chief and over twenty years as part of the department. He claims multiple awards—Firefighter of the Year, CPR Saves, EMT of the Year, and more—validate his leadership and sacrifice. He says he often put time, health, and family on the line to maintain public safety. He holds himself and others to high standards. Under his view, being dismissed so abruptly was “disheartening … without reason, respect, or accountability.”

Governance and Transparency Questions as Lexington Fire Chief Resigns

Radtke alleges that since becoming Chief, the Village government has ignored the urgent needs of the fire department. He says policies and procedures were bypassed, the chain of command was undermined, and township contracts went unsigned. He also asserts that false accusations against him and other members of the department were made—and that when he provided proof, they were not addressed.

“To the public: Know this resignation is not about walking away from service. It is about refusing to continue under leadership that is secretive, unaccountable, and unwilling to support those who protect this community,” he said.

Village Response Still Absent After Lexington Fire Chief Resigns

As of this writing, the Lexington Village Council has not publicly responded to Radtke’s accusations. No official statement explaining why his removal was demanded has been found. Council minutes, public records, or disciplinary reports that support or contradict his claims are not available. If this changes we will issue an update.

Impact on the Lexington Fire Department and Community

Lexington Fire Department, serving a village population of around 4,500, operates with part-time firefighters. The department is responsible for suppression, prevention, emergency medical service, inspections, hydrant testing, emergency management, and other public safety functions.

Radtke has been listed as Fire Chief on the Village website. His LinkedIn profile confirms over eight years in that role.

Expert View: Why Lexington Fire Chief Resigns Highlights Transparency Issues

Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer and author at FireEMSLeaderPro, notes that transparency is essential: “Fire department leaders must practice transparency in their decision-making to maintain the trust of their members and the community.”

Experts warn that abrupt leadership changes without clear explanation can lead to decreased operational effectiveness, reduce interagency cooperation, and impair volunteer retention—especially in small or semi?paid fire departments like Lexington.

What Comes Next for Lexington Leadership

Radtke’s departure may raise questions for Lexington: How will command be handled, will contracts with townships be renegotiated, and how will the department maintain morale among its 26 part-time firefighters?

Summary

Lexington Fire Chief resigns after serving Lexington for over two decades and eight years as Fire Chief, stepping down amid accusations of secretive governance and lack of transparency. The Village Council has yet to respond. For citizens of Lexington and observers across Michigan, the case highlights the importance of accountability in public safety leadership.

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