Scott Souders appointed as new fire chief for Green Township
When Scott Souders joined the Mack Volunteer Fire Department in 1980, he never expected it would eventually be his career. Now almost four decades later, Souders was appointed as the new chief of fire and emergency medical services for Green Township.
He succeeds former Chief Doug Witsken, who retired.
Souders, who is a Green Township resident, has the distinction of being the first Green Township fire chief to have progressed through every rank in the department.
„(It’s) being able to make a positive difference in the community when people are experiencing lows in their lives,“ said Souders regarding what he finds most fulfilling about being a firefighter.
In fact, it was seeing how he can make a difference in other people’s lives which inspired him to pursue fire services as a career.
Souders joined the Mack Volunteer Fire Department, which was later consolidated with the Green Township Fire Department, with a friend thinking it would be „a cool thing to do.“
Everything changed when he began emergency medical training. „At that point, I realized the idea of helping people medically inspired me to continue in that direction,“ he said.
Since then Souders said a lot has changed. He said the demand for service has increased as the community has continued to grow and training techniques have continued to evolve.
The technology has certainly improved as well, he added.
However, it remains the simplest things which bring Souders the most satisfaction.
His fondest memory remains helping deliver a baby about 15 years ago.
The expectant mother was in transit between home and the hospital when the birth occurred. „It was a happy time for all involved,“ he said.
Souders said his goal as the new chief is to help „enhance the department’s reputation with the community.“
He said he wants to provide more opportunities for interaction with residents via presentations and educational programs which may range from fire extinguisher training to first aid classes.
It’s getting the community to know us in a non-emergency environment, he said.
Souders will oversee four stations with a total of 45 part-time staff and 43 full-time staff.
Souders has been married to his wife, Alice, for 27 years and has four children – Ben, 24, Allie, 23, Curtis, 18, and Jack, 17.
His interests include small engine repair, fishing and singing.
