The Morris volunteer fire department has a new chief, to replace the one that resigned last month.

Blair Hughes, a full-time firefighter who lives in Morris, took the position as of Sunday. Hughes replaced Rocky Bell, who stepped down in early February, according to Mayor Joe Pylant.

“He resigned as fire chief, and then we had two people leave, and he went with them,” Pylant said after last week’s monthly town council meeting.

The mayor said that Hughes comes with a strong background and several professional certifications. He’s also bringing with him some help.

“There are about four or five firemen, who do this professionally, who said they would come on with [Hughes],” Pylant said. “There’s been some other ones that we’ve lost in the past who are coming back.”

Pylant said Bell’s departure came about after some “disagreements.” Pylant later emphasized that those disagreements were not between himself and Bell.

“[Bell’s] resignation letter said that he need more time to spend with his family,” the mayor said. “We’ve got it under control, and we’re moving forward. And I’ve talked with the Kimberly Fire Department, and we’re going to be working more and more together as well — trying to bring the communities together.”

Assistant Chief Ralph Burgin, who’s tended the department in Bell’s absence, said Bell had “just had enough.”

“There were no hard feelings. He still has a lot of friends on the department, and they all care about him.” Burgin said.

Hughes is actually returning the Morris department; Burgin said he has served as a volunteer in the past.

[Edited at 3:35 p.m. Wednesday to add Pylant’s emphasis that the disagreements were not between himself and Bell.]