Mitch Petterson will serve as interim fire chief during a formal vetting process to find a new leader for Independence Township Fire Department.
Independence Township Supervisor Pat Kittle said the process to replace former fire Chief Steve Ronk will take 30 to 60 days, and will include placing notices in local papers for applicants.
‘It is not a simple process,” said Kittle.
Steve Ronk, who served on the department for 40 years, resigned from his position as chief and accepted a job in northern Michigan.
Petterson worked with Ronk for 22 years, and was serving as deputy fire chief until his current appointment.
Ronk strongly recommended Petterson as his replacement, and Kittle agrees Petterson should get the job.
‘He has all the qualifications we are looking for,? Kittle added. ‘Mitch has been instrumental in many many issues in the township including helping with millage and grants.”
Independence Township Board voted unanimously, Feb. 17, to implement the search process.