Bill Metzger (center) was appointed as deputy fire chief in Huron Township. He was sworn in during the Jan. 9 board meeting. Standing with Metzger is Fire Chief James Hinojosa (left) and Public Safety Director Everette Robbins. (Photos courtesy Huron Township Department of Public Safety)

By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Posted Jan. 10, 2020

Bill Metzger was appointed as deputy fire chief during the Jan. 9 Board of Trustees meeting.

Metzger is currently a lieutenant in the Huron Township Fire Department, and he will be replacing current Deputy Chief James Katona.

Katona was recently appointed as fire chief in Flat Rock, but he will stay in Huron Township as an on-call firefighter.

“Deputy Chief Katona has been instrumental to the great strides we have taken recently in all aspects in how we deliver fire service to our residents,” said Everette Robbins, director of public safety. “His unselfish and forward-thinking leadership will be greatly missed. While we hate to lose him, I am proud of the reflection that he will be on our community as he serves the residents of Flat Rock. Chief Hinojosa and I cannot thank him enough for not only all that he has done for public safety in Huron Township, but for his friendship and professionalism.”

Metzger began his firefighting career with the Rockwood Fire Department in 1998 as an EMT and paramedic, and was promoted during his tenure there to sergeant.

He joined Huron’s crew in March 2004, becoming the department’s sixth full time medic.

He was eventually promoted to captain, until his departure from full-time status with the department in 2015 due to staff reduction.

He remained in Huron as a part-time medic and also worked as the department’s mechanic until he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant by Fire Chief James Hinojosa in 2016.

“We expect the transition to be a smooth process. By promoting Deputy Chief Metzger now, he will have the ability to work directly with Deputy Chief Katona. We have several current internal projects within our fire department, and I couldn’t be happier with the present and future leadership who continue to improve the quality of service being delivered to our residents,” Robbins said. “Metzger has shown incredible dedication to the Huron Township Fire Department and our community. His positive attitude is contagious, and he is well-respected by everyone that work’s with him. I am confident he will be a great leader who rolls up his sleeves leads by example.”

During the board meeting, Metzger’s bugles were presented to him by his children, Alaina and Gavin.

“I asked Deputy Chief Metzger what his biggest accomplishment was. Without hesitation, he told me that it was his children Alaina and Gavin. It was very fitting that they were the ones to pin his bugles on for the first time,” Robbins said.