Deputy Fire Chief demoted after speaking to FOX 5

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Branchville Volunteer Fire Company Deputy Chief Michael Hughes was demoted after speaking with FOX 5's Paul Wagner about a new dispatch system received with mixed-feelings by firefighters.

Hughes spoke to Wagner about feelings amongst some firefighters that the system was dysfunctional and is not sending the closest units to fire and medical emergencies.

The system's designer said those claims were untrue.

Wagner tweeted Saturday that action had been taken against Hughes, sharing a letter dated January 15 that chastised the Branchville Volunteer Fire Company for "a significant lapse in judgment and organizational leadership" in speaking to local media.

Hughes posted on the department's Facebook page that he had been demoted in rank along with two others. The post has since been deleted.