Walt Turner steps down as chief Department's advancement a tribute to his leadership In an announcement made during the December nomination of officers at the monthly fire company meeting, Fire Chief Walter Turner has decided to step down as the Chief Officer of the department for 2005.   Chief Turner has served in this position for 15 years.  During his years of service, Chief Turner has led with unprecedented dedication, loyalty, and vision. This outstanding leadership has developed the Clifford Township Volunteer fire Company into one of the most progressive, respected departments in the region.  With a mind that is never idle, Chief Turner always looked to the future.

Whether it is fundraising, training, on scene strategies, apparatus replacement, the Chief had a plan.  He has always encouraged across the board training in fire – rescue – and ems with 2004 concluding in a successful offering of Firefighter 1 delivered in the field.  His vision has led us to become one of the best trained and equipped heavy rescue companies in Susquehanna County and the surrounding counties.  Currently he is the chairperson for the 2005 heavy rescue that is in production.  Chief Turner has chaired the truck committees to replace the last two engines, refurbishment of our tanker, the 1994 rescue project, and conversion of three vehicles into brush units and was the vision to the addition of our first ladder truck in Clifford.  

On the administrative side, he was the first Chief in Susquehanna County to develop a box alarm assignment and the county now uses his alarm system as an example for the rest of the departments in the county to follow.  The Chief also led the way with accountability and command structure in the county.  The Chief' s duties entailed Board of Trustee responsibility as well.  He assisted in the management of all department operations.  With a rural company  countless hours  are spent fundraising. One didn’t pass without his 100% commitment. He serves as the delegate to the Susquehanna County Communications advisory committee, member of the County Chief’s Association and is a Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Instructor.

This short article cannot provide all the benefits the Clifford Township Volunteer Fire Company has been so blessed with from Chief Turner.  One of Chief Turner’s biggest concerns is the safety of the people he served with.  They are considered by him to be family.  His strong personal values are what make him special.  He cares for their well-being and looks for the camaraderie of all.  We can never forget the strong support Marilyn, wife of the chief, has been throughout his tenure. The 2005 Chief has huge shoes to fill, and he will give his best.  As a department we can only say “thanks”.  Thanks for the vision, thanks for the belief in us, and thanks for your leadership.  As many have said, you’ll always be “the Chief”.

Chief Turner will be operating as Chief 18-1 for the year 2005.