Liberty swears in new fire chief

Staff report

liberty

Liberty Township welcomed its new fire chief Monday.

Gus Birch, 56, a Vienna Township resident who has been with the Liberty department for 19 years, was promoted from lieutenant to chief at the trustees meeting.

Birch replaces Michael Durkin, 55, who was with the department for 12 years of his 37-year career.

Before he came to Liberty, Birch was emergency medical services chief in Vienna.

Trustees chose him from six applicants, all from within the department. He will be paid $75,000 a year.

Durkin said he thanks residents for their support during his years with the department.

“It’s been an honor serving you and being your fire chief for the last 12 years,” he said.

Trustees wished Durkin well in his retirement, which officially starts today.

“You’ve always done a great job,” said Trustee Jason Rubin.

“We wish you the best of luck, and we’ll miss you very much,” said Trustee Jodi Stoyak.

Birch gave a brief speech after township law director Mark Finamore swore him in.

“Thanks everybody who supported me,” he said. “I appreciate it, and I am honored and privileged to be the fire chief.”