42 years of fighting fires.

Bruce Townsend, center, receives a plaque and helmet from Grant Township Fire Chief Dan Yost, left, and Hesperia Area Fire Department Cpt. Jason Newman.

42 years of fighting fires.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

ROTHBURY — The Oceana County Fire Officers Association honored one of its longest-serving officers, Grant Township Firefighter Bruce Townsend, with a plaque presentation Wednesday evening, May 12, at the Grant Township Fire Station. 

“Bruce — if I could take two words to describe him is commitment and dedication,” said Chairman Jason Newman, captain of the Hesperia Area Fire Department.

Townsend joined the Grant Township Fire Department in July of 1979 and was promoted to first lieutenant a few years later, said Newman. He served as assistant chief from 2009-2020.

“Bruce, I would like to take this moment to thank you for your years and years of dedication to this group and the loyalty and dedication to this association,” said Newman.

In addition to his 42 years of service on the fire department, Townsend served for 38 years as the association’s secretary/treasurer, Newman said. He is the longest-serving officer serving the association in an official capacity as secretary/treasurer, said Newman. Jonathon Hughart currently is the secretary/treasurer, and Dan Yost is co-chair.

Townsend, who remains a firefighter on the Grant Township Fire Department, was presented his assistant fire chief helmet along with the plaque.

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