Mike Wilson, newly appointed Warsaw/Wayne Township Fire Chief, is congratulated by Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer and current fire chief Mike Brubaker. Wilson will take over on Sept. 1.

WARSAW — Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer introduced his new appointment for fire chief of the Warsaw-Wayne Township Fire Protection Territory at its monthly meeting today, Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Mike Wilson was appointed to succeed Mike Brubaker as chief. Wilson previously served on the Warsaw Fire Department for almost 21 years as assistant chief and fire marshal before he left the department in 2011.

“Mike has a history of outstanding service with the city,” Thallemer said. “I am very confident that as a lifelong resident of this community and with his previous experience, Mike will lead our department to continue its strong record of service and protection of our citizens.”

Wilson will assume his duties as chief on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

“I am glad to be back and be a part of it. I’m not going to replace Mike, it is hard to replace someone who has done what he has done for the department, the community,” said Wilson.

“I’ll be there as long as needed to make the transition smooth,” commented Brubaker. “I can’t dump (the job) and run. I love parts of this job too much and the commitment to work in the department and community to walk away. I will help as long as he needs me.”

Wilson, who is currently fire chief of the Leesburg/Plain Township Fire Department, employee at McHatton Sadler Funeral Homes and county coroner, will continue his positions until taking over as Warsaw/Wayne Fire Territory on Sept. 1.

“I have a plan of action for the meeting Thursday (in Leesburg),” said Wilson. It is unknown if a new fire chief will be elected that evening or will take place during the department’s September meeting. As for his position with the funeral home, he stated details will be forthcoming in the next few days. “There are a lot of families affected,” he stated.

As coroner, nothing will be effective officially until his new position begins.

For the future of the department, Wilson states he is joining the administration to work with the team that has been built and polish what has already been done, taking the department to the next level for the betterment of the community. “The chief and I realized this is the first time in the long history of the department, the new chief coming in with the former chief continuing the service within the department.”