07/10/2026
๐ FIREFIGHTER SPOTLIGHT ๐
This week weโre recognizing Dick Westerhouse for an incredible 58 years of dedicated service to the Buffalo-Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department.
๐ฅ Years of Service: 58 Years (Joined in 1968)
๐จโ๐ Position: Firefighter & First Responder (Former Fire Chief for 36 years
Favorite Part of the Department: Serving and protecting the citizens of our community with dedication and passion.
Dick answered the call to serve in 1968 and has been a cornerstone of our department ever since. During his career, he served as Fire Chief for a combined 36 years, helping lead and shape the department into what it is today. Although he now serves as a firefighter and first responder, his commitment to the department has never wavered.
Dickโs first fire was in the town of Headlee in Cass Township, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that has spanned nearly six decades.
One of the accomplishments Dick is especially proud of was helping Buffalo-Liberty Township become the second department in the state to implement a First Response program in 1978, bringing lifesaving emergency medical care to our community long before it became common.
Dick also remembers when the department operated out of the old fire station across from our current station. He witnessed the construction of the station we proudly serve from today, which was completed in 1982.
Dick has always been willing to answer the call, whether as a firefighter, chief, or first responder. His dedication, leadership, and passion for serving others have left a lasting impact on our department and our community.
Although he is not retiring we want to highlight Dick Westerhouse for 58 years of commitment, sacrifice, and service to Buffalo-Liberty Township. Your legacy continues to inspire generations of firefighters. ๐บ๐ธ๐