By Judy Reed

Solon Township Fire Chief Joyce VanderMey, the first woman fire chief in Kent County, gave her resignation to the Solon Township board last Tuesday evening, June 12. It will be effective November 13.

“She offered to stay on as interim if we hadn’t found someone by then,” said Supervisor Bob Ellick.
VanderMey was appointed as Fire Chief in May 2007.

According to Ellick, VanderMey resigned for personal reasons. “She’s been a great fire chief,” remarked Ellick. “She’s served the township well. I wish her the best in her ventures.”

Ellick said they are actively looking for a new chief to supervise their 20-plus firefighters and medical personnel.