Jamie Fink, right, pins the fire chief’s badge onto Quinn Hunter’s uniform after he was sworn in as the new chief for the Turkey Creek Fire Territory on Monday night , Dec. 8. Mickey Scott retired as fire chief after 36 years of service. Photo by Lauren Zeugner

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — There was a changing of the guard during the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board meeting Monday night, Dec. 8.

Quinn Hunter was sworn in as the new fire chief for the Turkey Creek Fire Department while Mickey Scott wrapped up his final shift before retiring.

Shade Keeny was sworn in as Deputy Chief of Operations. Before heading to Fire Station I for his final “tone out,” Scott said he wasn’t sure what was next for this next chapter. He plans to spending more time with his children and grandchildren.

In other business the advisory board approved the 2026 salary ordinance for the trustee, clerks and the advisory board. The salary ordinance for firefighters was approved during the November township advisory board meeting.

The advisory board tabled approval of the union contract so a few minor changes could be addressed. Matt Dunithan, president of the advisory board, noted none of the changes will have a financial impact.

The township has applied for a commercial credit card for the fire department so it will no longer be in one individual’s name. Previously the credit card was in the chief’s name.

Dunithan and Dennis Darr were reappointed to represent the advisory board on the Turkey Creek Fire Territory Board. Corky Wong was reappointed as the at-large member.

In the trustee’s report Joe Cazier, trustee, went over the fund balance sheets as the township moves to a new accounting program. All the funds are in the general fun, with appropriate labels. This allows him to sown where all the funds are on one sheet.

Cazier also received an email from the State Board of Accounts regarding an action plan the township undertook after an audit. The SBOA acknowledged the action plan was implemented and accounts are balancing as they should.

The advisory board reviewed a quote for insurance for the fire territory. Stan Rice, insurance agent for the fire territory, said the quote was excellent. A second quote is expected, with the advisory board making a decision by Dec. 31 which policy it will accept.

Darr presented several quotes for fencing around township cemeteries. One slight problem is Tamarack Cemetery appears to not be in the township’s name. Steve Snyder, township attorney, said he will look into the matter.

Darr received quotes for vinyl covered wire farm fencing as well as more traditional vinyl fencing. He also recommended having Bethel Cemetery surveyed to see where its boundary lines are located compared to where Wawasee Area Conservation Foundation’s property lines.

John Heckaman, a member of the board and president of Sudlow Piers, told the board an individual living next to a public access site reported a competitor tore up the ramp, attempting to pull a boat out of the water during icy conditions resulting in large, deep ruts left in the ramp area.

Snyder said a notice should be sent to the other pier company stating they caused the damage and they will be paying for it.

Dunithan wrapped up the meeting by thanking Scott for his service.

“I want to thank the men and women who have made me look good these last 24 years as chief. It’s not my department. It’s their department,” Scott said.