White Lake Fire Authority’s newest fire chief, Gregory Holman, stands next to a truck at Station One.

As of Nov. 10, he is now the authority’s newest fire chief.

Holman was appointed chief at the authority board’s November monthly meeting.

Chief Holman, age 31, has served as captain of the department and in charge of daily operations since Dec. 2009.

Holman follows Donald Hulbert who retired in September after 14 years of service to the White Lake community.

The new chief has been with the White Lake Fire Authority for 13 years rising through the ranks from firefighter to lieutenant, then promoted to captain in 2009 by the fire board.

He holds several certifications in fire suppression, leadership and managerial techniques through the State of Michigan and the National Fire Academy.

“The majority of the board felt he had earned his stripes and is ready to take over,” said Fruitland Township Supervisor Sam St. Amour, who is chairman of the fire authority board.

“He’s done a nice job in unusual times,” St. Amour added. Chief Hulbert had been on medical leave since his stroke.

The vote to appoint Holman as chief was 3-2 in favor. St. Amour said the no votes were cast by two board members only because they believed Holman may need more experience. “The majority of the board felt he has risen to the occasion.

Hulbert had been the fire chief since September, 2006. He had been serving as acting chief for several months after the previous chief took a position in Macomb County.

Hulbert also served as the City of Whitehall’s police chief, a position he was appointed to in 2003. He retired as police chief in July, 2010.