MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Meridian Township Fire Department will experience some major changes.

Meridian Township Fire Chief Fred Cowper described June 16 as a day of celebration as 3 fire fighters were promoted and one new fire fighter was hired.

The promoted and newly hired fire fighters were sworn in to their positions at an official ceremony.

The first to be promoted was Captain Mark Vroman to Battalion Chief in the place of recent retiree Battalion Chief Lori Schafer.

Schafer was the first woman to be hired into The Meridian Township Fire Department and retired after 25 years of serving the community.

Among others to be promoted were Lieutenant Ken Phinney to Captain and Bill Richardson to Lieutenant.

Samantha Weber was also sworn in as a full-time fire fighter.