The West Odessa Volunteer Fire Department has a new leader.

Ector County Commissioner Eddy Shelton told CBS7 that Richard Pease is the new chief and Dallas Barker is the new president.

Shelton said he met with the board Tuesday morning to determine the replacements and direction of the West Odessa Volunteer Fire Department.

After Texas Rangers began its investigation into the former chief Sean Dixon, funding and radio service were cut to the fire department, which inevitably forced them to stop making runs.

Although, Commissioner Shelton said funding was reinstated along with the new leadership on Tuesday morning.

“They have new attitude, new direction,” Shelton said.

Richard Pease was unanimously chosen as the new chief by the board.

Dallas Barker was already serving as the interim president.

Shelton said he feels good about the decision.

“They want to put all of the financial stuff from the last two leaders behind them," Shelton said. "They want to start rebuilding this organization, where they can protect and serve the citizens of West Odessa.”

Pease said he has served as a firefighter for West Odessa on and off for about 15 yeas, and is confident in the future of the department.

“I’ve got a great group of guys that are very dedicated to what we do," Pease said. "That’s all we want to do: serve our community. We all love to fight fire.”

The new chief said they currently have 10 firefighters. 6 firefighters who will be ready to make runs at anytime, after their radio service is turned back on.

“Give us a chance," Pease said. "Don’t hold previous mistakes and previous administrations against the new West Odessa.”

Although, the former firefighters who were let go by Dixon in August, believe this change isn't what is best for the West Odessa community.

"Most of these people that are still in this department and are taking over leadership maybe made three or four runs every month," former firefighter Josh Tharp said. "Everyone who has been kicked off made 90 percent of the runs. Is it going to change? No, I don't think their runs are going to go up or perform as to what we showed the county."

The new appointments come after the past two volunteer fire chiefs were arrested just weeks apart.

Former chief Sean Dixon stepped down on Monday night after

by the Texas Rangers for Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence, a 3rd Degree Felony.