By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer
In a special meeting held Thursday, Aug. 29, the Lawrence Township Board heard recommendations from the hiring committee in a search for a new Lawrence Township emergency services fire chief.
Following a discussion, in a unanimous decision, the Lawrence Township Board hired Steve Richardson as the new Lawrence Township emergency services fire chief.
Richardson began his career in 1985 with the Paw Paw Fire Department, serving as chief of the department previously. During his career, he was employed by the State of Michigan, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Fire and Emergency Services. He served at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, and the Michigan Army National Guard before retiring in August 2023.
During the past year, Richardson was employed as a program assistant in the Fire Science program at Van Buren Tech, Lawrence. Richardson also serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council, a past president of the Michigan Firemen’s Association, and State Coordinator for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Local Assistance State Team.
Richardson said of his new position, “I am honored that the Lawrence Township Board has placed their trust in me to move the department forward. I truly appreciate the welcome I have received from the membership of the Lawrence Township Emergency Services and their dedication to the community. That was evident during their support of the Ox Roast and Homecoming this past Labor Day weekend. I would also like to thank the community members who reached out to me during the weekend events with their support and encouragement. I look forward to serving with the LTES membership in continuing the tradition of providing exceptional emergency services to the community.”
