Wells County Republican Chairman and Local Leaders Call for Immediate Action on Jefferson Township Fire Agreement

UPDATE (12/19/2025 at 7:00 PM): Tim Baker has resigned effective immediately.

Bluffton, IN – Wells County Republican Party Chairman Preston T. Wright, joined by local county leaders, is calling on Jefferson Township Advisory Board Members Tim Baker and David Haiflich to immediately approve a new fire protection agreement to ensure uninterrupted service for township residents.

The current fire protection contract is set to expire on December 31, 2025. Without timely action, Jefferson Township risks a lapse in essential emergency services.

Wright is joined by the Wells County Republican Central Committee, Wells County Commissioner President Jeff Stringer, and Wells County Council President Seth Whicker in urging Baker and Haiflich to act promptly by signing the agreement or stepping down.

“Fire protection is fundamental to public safety,” Wright said. “Allowing this agreement to expire without replacement would place residents and property at unnecessary risk.”

Wright emphasized that maintaining fire protection beyond December 31 is clearly in the best interest of Jefferson Township residents. Jefferson Township Trustee AJ Springer and Advisory Board Member JJ Whicker have been supportive of the agreement and recognize the importance of uninterrupted emergency services.

“If Advisory Board Members Baker and Haiflich are unwilling to act in the best interest of the people they serve by promptly signing the agreement, they should step down and allow others to serve who will,” Wright said.

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