Erie Township board selects new fire chief

ERIE - Erie Township board members last night affirmed an earlier vote among the township's volunteer firefighters and named a new fire chief.

David Duvall, 51, who has been on the department for 15 years, including the last two as assistant chief, was named chief for a two-year period.

Mr. Duvall will switch positions with former Chief Mike Dempski, who sought the top office but lost a recommendation election among the firefighters earlier this month. Mr. Dempski was named the department's assistant chief.

The board also voted unanimously to prohibit any use of alcohol on township premises, including during the fire department's annual Christmas party and Wild Game Dinner, unless the township first acquires an insurance rider.

New township clerk Amy Whipple said she was working on getting riders for this year's events, which are to occur this month and next, so that they would not be affected.