• Township Manager Frank Walsh announces Joe Wade's promotion.

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township has promoted three people that have shown exemplary leadership and the ability to better the community with hard work.

Township Manager Frank Walsh led the ceremony on Monday, June 3rd, which was attended by many of the Township's employees, including members of both the Fire and Police Department's.

The first to be recognized was Joe Wade, a retired firefighter, who has been with Meridian Township for almost two years. He was promoted from Code Enforcement Officer to Senior Code Enforcement Officer.

Next up was Brad Bach who was serving as Lieutenant for the Meridian Township Police Department, and has been with the Township for 23 years. He was promoted from Lieutenant to Assistant Police Chief.

Assistant Police Chief Bach said that it feels good to have rose through the ranks and reach the top. He also credited his family with the support that they give him.

"They've sacrificed a lot over the years and this is as much for them as it is for me," he said.

Lastly was Derek Perry, who has been with the Township for four years. He has served as Public Works Director as well as Assistant Township Manager and was promoted to Deputy Township Manager.

"He has the skills to lead this organization at the top or he could lead any organization, or any municipality in Michigan," said Township Manager Walsh.

While there is no financial incentive behind Perry's promotion, Walsh wanted to make sure that his contributions did not go unnoticed. Walsh added that they want to do more things like this ceremony in order to continue giving the hard-working people of this community the recognition that they deserve.

"It's really important to recognize our team members internally when they receive promotions. We haven't done a really good job of that and I take responsibility for that," said Walsh. "Everyone's important no matter what job they have in the organization and we plan to focus on that going forward."