Troy Fire Department Names New Chief

TROY, MI — Troy Fire Chief Dave Roberts is retiring on Feb. 5 and will be replaced by Richard Riesterer, who is currently the department's assistant fire chief.

The soon-to-be fire chief began his career in Troy as a fire education specialist in 1989. Before joining the department, Riesterer worked at the fire departments in Roseville and Livonia. With Troy, he was responsible for training all new members of the fire department.

In 2005, Riesterer began conducting hazardous materials compliance inspections for businesses through the state was developed and implemented an electronic hazardous material reporting format. He was promoted to assistant fire chief in 2015.

Riesterer will have large shoes to fill with Roberts — a 42-year veteran — retiring. Roberts began his career as a volunteer firefighter in 1978, holding such positions as a station training instructor, state lieutenant and station captain, according to the department's website.

He was promoted to fire chief in 2015. He had been the assistant fire chief in Troy since 1994.