MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The new Interim Fire Chief was announced at the Meridian Township Board meeting on Tuesday, December 5th and it is the first female to ever hold this position.

Lori Schafer served from 1989-2014 on the Meridian Township Fire Department and will soon be returning to lead the Department following the retirement of current Fire Chief Fred Cowper after almost 20 years of service to the community.

Schafer's career has spanned 25 years which all began as a Firefighter and Paramedic. She has made many accomplishments being promoted from Lieutenant to Captain and lastly, to Battalion Chief for Meridian Township. Schafer says she has had a successful 25 years here in Meridian Township.

Kathy Sundland Township Board Trustee commented on the interview, "I think it was very successful I think Lori Schafer is very excited to take on this role I think there's a lot support in the community to take on this role, it was a good time."

For Schafer being the first female Fire Chief isn't entirely new to her, as she says she feels the same as she did when she was the first female to be hired as a Firefighter back in 1989.

"I'm excited to be back it feels like a homecoming, great group of people who work for this department and I'm humbled to know I get to lead them for the next six months," says Schafer. As of right now, Schafer is an Interim Fire Chief meaning she will only be serving as Chief until June 30, 2018.

Schafer is excited for her position and is confident that the Meridian Fire Department is going to continue to give quality customer service and be there for the citizens.