A doctor who also drives the ambulance

*Patrick C. Doran was sworn in as fire chief of the Richland Township Fire Department on June 16, 2026. He works full time as a physician assistant in Battle Creek. He also maintains his credentials as a nationally registered paramedic. The Richland Township Board appointed Doran to succeed Gerald Luedecking*, who retired on May 22, 2026, after 55 years with the department.

38 years in emergency services

Doran brings 38 years of emergency services experience to the chief position. He joined the Richland Fire Department in January 2008 after moving to Richland, Michigan, in 2007. Over his 18-year tenure, he advanced through the ranks as training officer, lieutenant, captain, and deputy fire chief since 2024, according to the township press release.

"Chief Doran has provided strong leadership to the department as he has advanced through the ranks," said Bear Priest, Richland Township supervisor. "It is clear that he deeply cares for his team, and we are excited to see where his vision and leadership will take the Richland Fire Department in the years ahead."

The medical edge

Doran holds a master's degree in medicine from Western Michigan University. He graduated from the National Fire Academy Managing Officers Program. He serves as a lead instructor for the Kalamazoo County Fire Chiefs fire officer courses, according to the township. He works full-time as a physician assistant for DayOne Family Healthcare in Battle Creek.

His initiatives while deputy chief included:

  • Securing equipment grants that improved firefighter safety
  • Establishing the department as a State of Michigan EMS Continuing Education Site
  • Launching the department's education program for Medical First Responders

A career that started at 16

Doran's public safety career began at age 16 while attending Linden High School in California. He was inspired by fellow student volunteers and by the classic TV show Emergency!, according to the township release. He previously served with the Linden-Peters Fire Department in California and rose to assistant fire chief with the Louisville Fire Department in Colorado.

"The fire service has always been my strongest vocation and has led me to many great things in my life," Doran said. "I am deeply honored to step into this role, build upon the outstanding foundation left by Chief Luedecking, and continue serving the residents of Richland Township alongside our dedicated firefighters."

What the department handles

The Richland Township Fire Department operates on a paid-on-call staffing model. It responds to more than 630 calls for service each year, the township said. The department provides fire, rescue, and medical emergency coverage for the community.

Doran lives in Richland Township with his wife, Zion, and their three children: Patrick Leo (18), Elizabeth (16), and Caroline (14).

Luedecking served 35 years as fire chief before retiring, according to the township.