MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - On May 20th, 2016, the Meridian Township Fire Department conducted a swearing-in and promotion ceremony in the new Central Fire Station.

Overseen by Fire Chief Fred Cowper and Township Clerk Brett Dreyfus, a total of four firefighters were honored at the event. Three firefighters were promoted, with one being sworn in as a new full-time firefighter.

The ceremony consisted of an introduction by Chief Cowper, presentation of each firefighter by Chief Cowper, swearing-in by Clerk Dreyfus and the presentation of their badges by a loved one.

Firefighter Ryan Campbell was promoted to Lieutenant, part-time Firefighters Corey Pant and Amanda Arnett were promoted to full-time firefighters and new full-time Firefighter Charles Malesko was welcomed to the team.

Chief Cowper took time to also thank the firefighters' families, stressing their importance and stating that a career in a fire department is difficult without the support of loved ones.