Community concern has sprouted up that leadership at the Carriere Volunteer Fire Department has changed hands.

Fire Chief Tom Wagner said he is still the chief of the department but he has taken a leave to get a kidney transplant.

For three years Wagner has been on the waiting list to have a kidney transplant. Recently he received that transplant and now is recovering at Ochsner Medical Center in Kenner, La.

An operations plan was set up three years ago when he was put on the waiting list and that plan is in effect, Wagner said. In spite of his absence there will be no change in the amount of service the department will provide to the community. Emergencies still can be directed to the department by calling 601-798-5528 or calling 911.