Fire Department

Fire Chief - Al Brouwer
Capt. - Mike Keefe Jr. & Kurt Schurman
Assistant Fire Chief - Mike Eppink
Lt. - Ron Bergman & Rick Leale

The Tallmadge Fire Department began in 1925 and joined forces with Wright Township in 1944.
Currently, the department has two stations - one in Marne at the Wright Township Hall and one at the Tallmadge Township Hall. The department has 9 trucks between the two stations and there are 28 active members of the volunteer force. We also have a department Chaplain, Father Bill Zink, from St. Mary's Church in Marne. Father Bill has been a great asset to our personnel.

In 2004 the department responded to 619 calls for emergency service in the following categories:

Primary funding for the department is split between Tallmadge Township and Wright Township. Based on the current funding formula, Wright Township funds 35% of the operating costs while Tallmadge Township covers 65%. equipment and maintenance is split 50/50 between the two Townships. Operation and Maintenance expenses come from the townships' general fund.

Both Tallmadge and Wright Townships have a millage which is used strictly for new equipment. Without this millage it would be very difficult to purchase new equipment. The average fire engine costs approximately $250,000 depending on the size and the equipment on the unit.

The members of the Wright - Tallmadge Fire Department have formed a non-profit organization for the sole purpose of raising funds to be used to purchase additional equipment for the department. In the last seven years, major items purchased by the organization include 13 self contained breathing apparatus ($27,000), new Jaws of life ($6,000), dress uniforms for Fire Fighters, SCBA Voice Amplifiers ($8,2000) Power Point Projector for training ($2,000) as well as numerous smaller pieces of equipment to be used on medical and rescue calls.

In Nov, 2005, we took delivery of our new rescue squad. This new unit replaces 2 older units, our old rescue squad and our air truck. By combining the equipment from the two trucks onto one, we saved $60,000 as compared to purchasing two separate trucks.

The Insurance Services Organization has reviewed the operations of the Fire Department and has reduced the "ISO Rating" from 9 to 7. This reduction of the rating is due to the equipment that the department has, the water supply and the hydrants in the area as well as the training and demonstrated skill of our fire fighters.

CAN WE FIND YOUR HOUSE
To help in locating your house you can purchase green/white Reflective address sign from the Fire Fighters Association for $15. Order forms are available at both Township Halls.

BURNING PERMITS
Persons may burn solid waste from one or two family homes in an approved container as long as the fire does not create smoke or odor nuisance.

Small recreational camp fires are permitted for food preparation or recreation. Large "Bon" fires are not permitted.

Burning permits can be obtained by calling the fire chief's office at 677-1610.