Harold “Willie” Eltzroth stepped down as Edwardsburg fire chief Tuesday night after serving almost 23 years as chief of the Edwardsburg Fire Department.
In a resignation letter, he cited personal issues that have made it difficult for him to continue with his duties. He made his retirement effective Dec. 1.

He asked Assistant Chief Bruce Stack to assume his position as chief and Brian Brown to become assistant chief on a temporary basis until appointments are to be made at the fire board’s meeting in April.
During the meantime, resumes will be accepted for the position of chief with the requirement that they are trained as a firefighter I and a firefighter II and that they come from the three municipalities in the district of Ontwa, Jefferson and Milton townships.
A committee of three people will make the decision. An appointment will be made at the board’s April 3 meeting at 7 p.m. at the Ontwa Township Hall. Resumes are to be submitted at Ontwa Township Hall, 26225 U.S. 12, Edwardsburg, by 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23.
Interviews will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26.