CHINA GROVE — Jeff Gledhill this week resigned his position as China Grove fire chief for personal reasons, according to Mayor Don Bringle.

Bringle said Gledhill turned in his resignation Monday, effectively immediately. Gledhill called town manager Ken Deal to tender his resignation, according to Bringle.

“I wish Jeff the best,” Bringle said.

When asked, Deal said Gledhill cited personal issues as the reasons for his resignation.

Until town selects a new chief, Bringle said Mike Zimmerman, the Bostian Heights fire chief, would serve in an interim fire chief role.

“We’re in the process of trying to make sure we have the coverage necessary,” Bringle said. “We met with full-time and part-time firemen to ensure it’s business as normal.”

The move to name Zimmerman as the interim fire chief could help in a potential consolidation of the China Grove and Bostian Heights fire departments, Deal said.

“We have been in conversation with Bostian Heights to consolidate or merge and are reviewing the process and likelihood of it happening,” Deal said. “It would be a win-win situation for all the citizens. Mike (Zimmerman) is a very qualified chief and does a good job. Naming him the interim chief just made things simple.”

Bringle said the town has not begun the process of looking for a new fire chief.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246