A New Era for Richland Township Fire

*Richland Township has a new fire chief. The township board appointed and swore in Patrick C. Doran during its regular meeting on June 16, 2026. Doran succeeds Gerald Luedecking, who retired on May 22 after 55 years of service to the department, including 35 years* as fire chief.

"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."

38 Years of Emergency Services Experience

Doran brings 38 years of emergency services experience to the chief position. According to mlive.com, he joined the Richland Fire Department in January 2008 after relocating to Richland, Michigan, in 2007. During his 18-year tenure, he advanced through the ranks as training officer, lieutenant, captain and deputy fire chief since 2024.

His key initiatives include:

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

"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."

A Physician Assistant Leading the Department

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

His public safety career began at age 16 while attending Linden High School in California. He previously served with the Linden-Peters Fire Department in California and rose to assistant fire chief with the Louisville Fire Department in Colorado.

Doran resides in Richland Township with his wife and their three children.

Serving a Paid-on-Call Community

The Richland Township Fire Department operates on a paid-on-call staffing model. According to the township website, the department responds to more than 630 calls for service each year, providing around-the-clock protection for fire, rescue, and medical emergencies.

The appointment marks the end of an era for Luedecking, whose half-century of service set a high bar for his successor. Doran now steps into that role with medical expertise and decades of hands-on emergency experience.