Defiance Fire Chief Stepping Down

Defiance Fire Chief Dave Schmaltz is stepping down in order to take on a new position as fire chief in Battle Creek, Mich.

Schmaltz said that he has accepted the position with the city of Battle Creek and will begin his duties there on Feb. 3. His last day with the Defiance Fire Department will be on Jan. 31.

Schmaltz is from Michigan and he joined the Defiance department in November 2010. He has previously served with fire departments in Coldwater, Mich., and Miami Township, Ohio.

Schmaltz will oversee Battle Creek’s six fire stations and 78 firefighters, who handle approximately 6,000 calls each year.

He said one of the reasons he chose to take the new position was his family’s desire to get closer to home.