MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - With the recent promotions in the Meridian Township Fire Department, Kennith Phinney's role as Battalion Chief has taken on more responsibly.

"We filled two battalion chiefs, positions, three captain positions and we've had several lieutenants move up in the fire fighter ranks," Phinney said.

Within the past year, Meridian Township's Fire Department filled vacant roles after previous workers retired and moved on. 

"Our most senior battalion chief now has been here a year and everyone else has kind of filled in below that," said newly promoted Captain Matthew Walters.

With the new leadership roles, it is their job to make sure those under know how to properly use equipment, and respond correctly to situations.

"The lieutenant will take the new hires under their wings and show them the ropes and whats expectant of them," Phinney said.

And while these lieutenant, captains, and battalion chiefs  are leaders, and teach those underneath them the ways of proper procedures, they never stop learning themselves which continually raises the standards of the Fire Department.

"I did an additional program down at Eastern Michigan (University) for a whole year," Walters said.
And the learning doesn't stop there.

"Two of our people, one of them is getting his doctorates degree, another one is just finishing up his masters degree, several of us is finishing up our bachelors degrees," Walters said.  
"Were all trying higher education to make things better and learn new things. We go to school and learn new things," Walters said. " We learn how everyone else is doing it and were like wow that's easy, you guys already figured out how to do it so let's not re-invent the wheel."

But all in all, Walters said the new leadership team's goal is to work together with all fire staff to continue  Meridian Township with an efficient fire department while promoting the safety for its residents. 

"Were all helping to carry one big basket and keeping everyone safe — that's our important thing," Walters said.