Pittsfield Fire Department Announces Promotions After Restructuring

The Pittsfield Township Fire Department has announced a series of promotions as part of a restructuring effort aimed at strengthening leadership, improving daily operations and supporting safer emergency response.

As one of the larger public safety agencies in the area, Pittsfield’s fire department also plays a role in mutual aid responses that can extend beyond township borders, including into nearby communities such as Saline and Milan.

Fire Chief Michael Chevrette said a key factor behind the changes was the department’s adoption of the Blue Card Incident Command system, which helps create clear leadership roles and accountability during emergency scenes.

“By aligning with this system, we recognized the need to ensure consistent command presence and leadership on every shift,” Chevrette said.

As part of the restructuring, the department created a new Battalion Chief role, which he said strengthened its command structure and day-to-day oversight. That addition also created movement within the department, allowing several members to move up through the chain of command into existing roles.

The promotions were implemented earlier this year as part of a coordinated effort tied to the restructuring, according to Chevrette.

“These promotions were not only about meeting current operational needs, but also about intentionally building depth within our leadership ranks,” he said. “This creates a pathway for professional development and prepares our personnel for future leadership roles as the organization continues to grow.”

The department announced the following promotions:

David Dorian, Battalion Chief
Dan Olson, Captain
Gary Polenz, Lieutenant
Dustin Brighton, Lieutenant
Scott Koeppe, Captain
Russ Girbach, Lieutenant
Greg Payeur, Battalion Chief
Joe Yurkunas, Captain
Paul Damon, Lieutenant
Andy Stager, Deputy Fire Marshal

He said the department made the changes as it continues to evolve, respond to increasing service demands and prioritize firefighter and community safety through strong, consistent leadership.

In its public announcement, the department said those promoted have demonstrated dedication, professionalism and a commitment to serving the community.

Featured photo: Members of the Pittsfield Township Fire Department gather during a promotion ceremony held earlier this year. Photo courtesy of Pittsfield Township Fire Department.