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Warrior Fire Department Chief James Clay Neely has taken a six-month leave of absence for personal reasons, Mayor Johnny Ragland said on Tuesday.

The leave of absence began immediately, Ragland said.

Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Hilton will assume the duties of the chief during Neely’s absence, according to Ragland.

Ragland said the leave of absence would not have an impact on the city’s services for fire and rescue or the transportation service operated by the department.

Neely has been Warrior’s Fire Chief approximately two decades, according to Ragland.