Fire Chief William Scully retires from MTFD
Fire Chief William Scully honored by his department at his retirement celebration at the Manchester Township Fire Hall on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Left to right: Lt. Shane Goodell, Fire Chief William Scully, and Firefighter Holly Horodeczny. Photo courtesy of Mike Kouba.
by Sara Swanson
On Sunday, April 13, Manchester Township Fire Department (MTFD) held a retirement party for Fire Chief William (Bill) Scully after 40 years with the department. The celebration was attended by approximately 100 people. He was honored by the members of the Manchester Township Fire Dept.; U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell; Napoleon Township Fire Chief Jay Hawley; and Lenawee County Commissioner and former Sand Lake Fire Chief Jim Van Doren. He received many kind words from neighboring community fire chiefs and firefighters in attendance.
Because Fire Chief Scully was out on a fire call when we reached out, his wife, Robin Scully, let us know that retirement from MTFD doesn’t mean he’s retiring from firefighting. She explained that they are selling their home in Manchester and moving full time to the Upper Peninsula where Bill already volunteers on the Burt Township rescue squad. She stated, “He’s looking forward to more time serving them and wandering around the north woods.”
Robin noted that MTFD is a small department and its firefighters do not get compensated like full-time firefighters. Most have full-time jobs in addition to serving on the department. She stated, “The firefighters do this because they want to selflessly rescue, protect, help, and serve their community. It’s an amazing crew of people MTFD is serving. They respond as their child’s birthday candles are being blown out, holidays and special moments are happening, etc. They not only give their time and energy and expertise on call, they train and continue their education 4–10 hours per month.The Manchester community is very lucky to have a dedicated and well-trained crew!”
While serving as captain in 1991, Bill was severely burned fighting a house fire. It would have been perfectly understandable if he had stopped firefighting, but Bill went back as soon as he was able, eventually being chosen as fire chief. In addition to leading the department on fire and rescue calls, as chief he spent 15–20 hours each week doing administrative, maintenance, and facilities work at the fire barn.
Robin noted that Bill’s organizational skills helped him not only in this leadership role but also in his ability to navigate new territory, leading the fire department through several major changes in digitizing, reporting, and risk management without a hitch. She stated, “Back in the day, there’s a lot of positive things to be said about the camaraderie of the good ol’ boys’ club that was the Manchester Township Fire Department. Now, there’s a lot good to be said about the inclusiveness and structure that is MTFD today.”
She noted that he is talented in the repair and maintenance of vehicles, equipment, and buildings; and that he spent countless unpaid hours keeping those functioning properly and ready for when rescue and fire calls came in, as well as planning and reviewing new truck and equipment specifications. Robin stated, “He ensured they were outfitted with what was needed and didn’t have unnecessary bells and whistles.”
Bill initiated and successfully transitioned MTFD from a first response department to a basic life support department and was one of the first in Washtenaw County to do so. He learned how to do grant writing, applying for eligible grants to pay for equipment and training. Robin noted, “He secured over a million dollars in grant funding for the department to help offset taxpayer dollars.”
Robin added, “He used paid time off from his day job, which was limited, to take care of fire department business and attend training and meetings. Bill never complained about these responsibilities and loved serving the Manchester community! He did so quietly and thoroughly.”
Mike Kouba is the new Chief taking over in the end of April. Bill states, “I am confident Mike Kouba will lead the department with progressive and positive leadership.”
He concluded, “It’s been an honor to learn from a strong legacy of officers before me, including my Dad and have had the privilege of working along side a wonderful crew of dedicated members during my time as Manchester Township Fire Chief.”
Congratulations on your retirement, Fire Chief Scully, and good luck in your future endeavors!
William Scully (center) with the Manchester Township Board. Photo courtesy of Mike Kouba.
Retired Sand Lake Fire Chief and current Lenawee County Commissioner Jim Van Doren (left) and William Scully (right). Photo courtesy of Mike Kouba.
William Scully (left) and retired Napoleon Twp. Fire Chief Jay Hawley (right). Photo courtesy of Mike Kouba.
U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (left) and William Scully (right). Photo courtesy of Mike Kouba.
Mike Kouba (left) will be taking over as Fire Chief from William Scully (right) at the end of April. Photo courtesy of William Scully.
The Manchester Township Fire Department. Photo courtesy of William Scully.
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