COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP, WHITLEY COUNTY, IND.

In a ceremony held at the fire station January 1, 2024, officials take the oath of office administered by the Trustee. Pictured left to right are Sexton Tim Acres, Clerk Denise Esterline, Deputy Fire Chief Jacob Schrader, Fire Chief Shane Caudill, and Trustee Matt Minier.

Beginning her role as Clerk is Denise Esterline, a lifelong resident of the community. Denise will reconcile and balance the township finances, administer payroll and manage Township Assistance cases with the Trustee.

Tim Acres continues his role as Sexton of Cemeteries. Acres, like his father before him, is responsible for managing the township’s five cemeteries, working with contractors and meeting with families for burial space selection and sales.

Deputy Fire Chief Jacob Schrader receives his badge of authority from wife, Bethany. This won‘t be the first time a Schrader has worn a white helmet at this station. Jacob is the son of Michael Schrader, who will complete his 54th year of service this January as a CTFD firefighter and former Chief.

Chief officers Jacob Schrader and Shane Caudill sign their Oath of Office Certificates, bringing a combined 57 years of service and experience to manage the firefighting services for our community, no longer as volunteers, but as paid township employees.

Fire department members on hand for the ceremony gathered for a group photo after the event. Pictured left to right are Trustee Matt Minier, Chief Shane Caudill, Captain Shane Hoffman, Captain Mike Loomis, Safety Officer Brian Hollenbaugh, Firefighters Tim Acres and Mike Schrader, and Deputy Chief Jacob Schrader.