Lake Hamilton fire chief resigns

LITTLE ROCK — Lake Hamilton Volunteer Fire Chief Matt Simpson has resigned as chief “effective immediately due to irreconcilable differences with a board member.”

Simpson declined to identify the Fire Department board member or say specifically what led to his resignation.

He said unspecified internal Fire Department matters that likely led to his resignation will be discussed at a meeting Sunday at the Lake Hamilton Fire Department headquarters.

Simpson, who was paid a “small salary” as chief, said he is “relieved” to no longer be chief of the Fire Department, which covers a large area south of Hot Springs along Arkansas 7.

“There has been too much stress in the past year on me and my family,” he said. “It’s the best thing for my family just to get out of it right now.”

Lake Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department board President Eugene Sparling could not be reached for comment regarding Simpson’s resignation.