PORTAGE | For the second time in four days, a Portage Fire Department assistant chief has turned in his resignation.

Joe Calhoun tendered his resignation as assistant chief Tuesday morning.

"I have been extremely dissatisfied in a position that I love. Over the last year it's been miserable," said Calhoun, who has served three years as assistant chief.

Calhoun, a 13-year department member, said he has been "soul searching" the last year. The city's consideration of consolidating 911 services and the resignation of fellow assistant chief Mike Bucy last Friday were the final straws.

Bucy was asked to resign Friday by Mayor Olga Velazquez. Velazquez said Bucy behaved inappropriately by using city e-mail to "rile up" people involving the 911 consolidation issue. Bucy said Velazquez made the move because she didn't like him speaking out against the consolidation.

"A lot of it comes down to communication and the lack of communication. I feel that I am a professional and I had a lot to offer. But my voice wasn't heard and often I was left with the aftermath of dealing with a wrong decision," said Calhoun. "I needed to get out to maintain my sanity and my integrity."

Calhoun's resignation is effective March 21. He will remain in his position until then helping in the administrative transition. Upon returning to the ranks, he will serve as a lieutenant.

"We are in a bad way right now. I believe in and love this department and I didn't want to leave it in the lurch," he said.

"It is a very regrettable situation that we are in. Joe did an outstanding job for the fire department. Joe had advised me that he was unhappy," Chief Bill Lundy said.

Lundy said Calhoun's resignation has dealt a blow to the department and had an effect on the overall morale.

"Recuperating from it (the loss of two assistant chiefs) will be difficult. We have a difficult road ahead of us. We have to draw the department back together. We have to go back to the roots of what we are as a fire department. I have to change the direction," said Lundy, adding he is working to find replacements for Bucy and Calhoun.