Allegan County Sheriff’s Deputy Bernard Austof is being transferred after four years of covering Dorr and Leighton Townships, but took a moment to send the Township Boards a letter praising the cooperation of the firefighters.

Deputy Austof wrote:

“As most of you are probably already aware this is my last week in the township. I have been struggling to write this e-mail, and find the words to say, as this is very bittersweet for me

“The best way I can think to start is to say thank you to each and every one of you. The past four years in the township have been some of the most enjoyable in my career in large part to the relationships I have formed with you all over the years. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for these relationships, and the professional and helpful nature of you all.

“You should all know that you have some of the best fire departments I have ever worked with! Whether it has been helping to close the freeway on accidents, assist in CPR, or sit on power lines/down trees with storms they are always here to help me out without a gripe. There have been nights that I would not have kept up with calls if it wasn’t for their help, and I know it is not that way everywhere.

“You guys do a fantastic job and it has been my pleasure. Both townships have been a joy to work with and are always there to support us whether it was getting equipment upgrades, working on solving problems in the community, or public inquiries into our duties you always have had my back. For that I cannot thank you enough.”

Deputy Dillon Schmitt will succeed Austof.