MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Last week, Kennith Phinney of the Meridian Township Fire Department became Battalion Chief Phinney.

Phinney has worked for the Fire Department for about 18 years and is excited about his promotion.

“For me, this is almost like the same feeling I had when I first started,” Phinney said. “I have the same excitement, the same anticipation. It’s a great feeling to have the trust and confidence of my crews.”

At he promotion ceremony, held in the Municipal Building, Battalion Chief Phinney was surrounded by coworkers, friends, and family.

“It’s been a dream of mine for a lot of years to get into a position of Chief, and without the support of my family, it would have never happened," Phinney said.

Fire Chief Fred Cowper believes that Phinney is the perfect man for the job.

“Battalion Chief Phinney has gone through the ranks here," Cowper said. "He has a great respect from all of the community and department. It was a pleasure to call him and let him know he has the position."