From the Chief …
As we honor the 75-year legacy of Gerrish Township Fire and EMS, we had the honor of looking at the documents detailing the growth of the department from 1949 to today.
We realize that over the years, many department and community leaders provided the vision and drive to develop a progressive department that provides quality service to our community. Township minutes reflect the growth from 1949, when the members built the first fire station, to the 70’s when a real ambulance provided Basic Life Support was purchased.
Flash forward to the 90’s, and our work with the state to allow the department to provide Advance Life Support services with the equipment, training and the operations to improve our community services. It was that progressive philosophy that drew me to this department in 1986. Once on board the camaraderie and family atmosphere truly shined – yes, we are truly brothers and sisters in our service. The members of the
► See FROM THE CHIEF on page 15
AT THE BEGINNINGFounding
members of the Gerrish Township Fire Department at pictured at the old fire building, located near Nibbles.
Pictured (l-r) are Art Roan, Pop Lorion, Bruce Lorion, Dave Lorion, Doug Purcell, and Ray Kinkella.
Amber Nebor, FF
Greg Patchin, Asst. Chief Brandon Rodgers, and FF/EMT Micheal Stempien.
Lt Jason Budzinski. Not pictured are Lt Mike Bentley, FF/EMT Sarah Bohnsack, FF Alex Cole, EMT Julie Hill, FF/Medic
Rachel Griffin, Captain Matt Wooten, Chief Jim Fisher, FF/Medic Donnie Burkett, FF Andrew Taylor and 2nd
Patchin, FF Will Sbonek, FF
Jeff Mallory, FF/Medic Neal Dopp, Asst Chief Kristi Gilliam, (right side) FF
Members of the Gerrish Fire and EMS Department include: (left side) FF/EMT Josh Sanford, FF Scott
Gerrish Township Fire & EMS
A history of Gerrish Township Fire and EMS
It was by necessity that Gerrish Township started its own fire department.
On May 26, 1949, the Gerrish Township board was notified by the Roscommon Village Council that its fire department would no longer handle fires in Gerrish Township after May 31. This prompted the Gerrish board to begin the process of establishing a Township Department.
Here is a brief history of the department:
• July 7, 1949 - Special board meeting was held to discuss fire protection. The board formed a committee that included Paul Broski, Mr. Barden, Ray Witt, Robert Ostling, Frank Kelly and one unidentified person from the Higgins
Lake Property Owners Association
• Aug. 23, 1949 - two companies met with the
board to explain different firetrucks and equipment. Arrangements were made by the board for men to take care of and run the truck
• Oct. 25, 1949 – Board motion to allow election to spend surplus money on fire protection
• Nov. 22, 1949 – Special
election held for the purpose of allowing the board to buy the truck, and if necessary, raise money to pay for equipment and a building. Both proposals passed despite a low turnout of 88 voters out of 400
• March 16, 1950 –Board passed motion to contact state regarding property for a building. Darly Fire Equipment Company gave a
presentation regarding a new truck. Truck
• April 27, 1950 – Board voted at a special meeting to purchase a new fire truck and accessories from WS Darley and Company for $6305.70
• May 4, 1950Resolution to apply to the Department of Conservation for use of property in the state park for $1
• May 25, 1950 –Ordered housing for the new fire house through closed bids. Raymond Kinkella constructed building. The fire hall, which sat on County Road 100 near Sharpe’s corner, was built in the summer of 1950
• Vehicles in the new fire
► See HISTORY
TIMELINE on page 7
History timeline
Continued from page 6
house included: 500-gallon Dodge truck, 1,000-gallon, 1953 Ford tanker
• August 4, 1950. Fire committee formed. Named Robert Schicker as chief and Keith Carrick as assistant chief
• In 1960 the local funeral home, which also provided the ambulance service to the area, decided to abandon the service and Gerrish was left without any way to convey people to the hospital. The fireman independently decided that an ambulance was needed and purchased a used Cadillac hearse from the Detroit Fire Department for about $350
• Also in 1960, the board authorized $1,000 to add a meeting room on the fire hall. It was built entirely by the firemen.
• Somewhere around 1967 the department purchase a used Four-wheeldrive truck from The DNR to be made into a brush truck for combating forest fires
• “Hoot” Bertl Painted the hearse red and white, and the firemen equipped it. The ambulance was used until 1967 when the township purchased a GMC van
• Aug.10, 1964 - First mention of an ambulance in the board minutes. At the time, responders could do first aid, but needed a doctor in the ambulance
• 1972 GMC suburban four-wheel-drive was purchased. The money for the ambulances came from the township as opposed to the fireman purchasing them personally as it was originally done.
• June 1980 - Board authorized the purchase of a 4-WD Horton ambulance for approximately $40,000, a fire cry from the first $350 investment
Thank You Emergency Personel for Your Service and Dedication!
• Jan. 14, 1969
- Township board authorized bids for the new municipal building and fire hall. Also at that time, a 1,000-gallon, John Beamer was ordered to arrive about the same time as the new fire hall would be completed. The residents of Gerrish Township also voted about this time that Gerrish Township should be its own fire district
• April 26, 1971 –Township got a Michigan State ambulance license
• Dec. 14, 1978. Discussion of revised EMT requirement. Working with state officials to change law
• March 29, 1980Annual meeting notes indicated that several firefighters have become EMTs
• May 14, 1980Purchase Horton ambulance for $36,000. Added four-wheel-drive for an additional $3.720
• July 21, 1980 - Tried to sell old ambulance. Beds too low so keeping for fire department use. Suburban four-wheel-drive to use as rescue unit
• Nov. 19, 1984. Four
firefighters enrolled in EMT class at Markey Township
• Jan. 21, 1985 –Certified seven EMT’s
• Oct. 17, 1988 – Board notes indicate it discussed fire policy, fire prevention activities and water storage tank. Note: first tank mention also sharing a backup ambulance with Ryanne and Mark because Connie will no longer do ambulance calls
• Dec. 19, 1988 - County ambulances, a 1981 Ford and 1983 Ford, were sold to township as back up for two dollars
• Feb. 13, 1990. Got price from CSI on modifying truck number 23 to carry “Jaws of life” from 1972 GMC. Resolution form marked “Roscommon County emergency medical services Council.”
• July 10, 1990 - Mutual
agreement established with Higgins Township Fire department to bill each other for ambulance services. Then township will bill private insurance for calls
• Aug. 13, 1991. Defibrillator on ambulance 12 staff trained. North flight Advanced Life Support (ALS) available In Grayling for intercept
• Oct. 8, 1991 - EMT specialist mentioned. ordered CSI to retro fix Tanker number 22, 1975 for $25,140
• Jan. 14, 1992. Greg Gaylor was the first paramedic on the department. Gerrish has 19 members, 16 firefighters, three trainers. Chief to bid out for new pumper, chassis and apparatus
• Sept. 8, 1992. Four ► See HISTORY
TIMELINE on page 8
75th Anniversary of Gerrish Township Fire & EMS
History timeline
Continued from page 7
members started EMT specialist classes
• March 9, 1993Applied for limited advanced life-support ambulance license
• Aug. 10, 1993. Department has 23 members including one medic five EMT specialist eight EMT and nine first responders. Will start specialist class in September
• April 12, 1994 - Linda Hill, Mark Montei, Bob Thornton and Jake Figley passed state test as EMT specialist
• Oct. 11, 1994. $7,000 donation from Schroeder Foundation towards purchase of a heart monitor
• Nov. 4, 1994 - Board approves ambulance purchase to become ALS certified, but no Intercept responsibilities
• Dec. 13, 1994Medical control sign required application to become ALS certified.
• January 1995 - Chief Desloover provides ALS operation plans
• April 4, 1995 - Chief to contact attorney has to assist with solution to
become ALS certified. Also to find a legal solution to the matter with Mercy Hospital medical control and the emergency physicians’ medical group
• May 9, 1995 = Bid from McCoy Miller for new ambulance approved
• Nov. 14, 1995. New ambulance arrived
• Nov. 12, 1996. ALS license approved by state
EMS
• Sept. 12, 2000. Purchase new Horton ambulance for $89,048
• Jan. 9, 2001. Name change for fire department to “Gerrish Township Fire and EMS”
• June 24, 2002Discussed Echo EMS unit and cost of future fire EMS building
• Unclear dates: new standard operating procedures written for ALS; appointed 12 part-time paid on-call paramedics; and Mike Celacks full-time paramedic
• Feb. 23, 1999. EMS to be housed at old fire station by Nibbles
• Unknown date request to replace 25-year extra equipment for $20,061.30, with the donation of $5,000 from the firefighter fund
• April 13, 1999 - Fire fighter fund donated $1,000 to update old fire station for
• Dec. 10, 2002. Approved funding for concept plans for Station 2 and housing for medics at Station 1
• July 8, 2003
- Contract with Caliber Construction for quarters and renovation to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for restrooms at a cost of $104,268
• March 2, 2004 - Annual report: EMS medical quarters complete. Mileage 1.94. 24 calls that month
• April 10, 2007 - 25 calls. Approval to purchase Model 2008 lifetime ambulance for $159,000. Purchased two “tough book” computers, GPS software, improved radio system. Also
installed outside antenna and bought 20 additional pagers at a cost of $13,23
• Aug. 14, 2012
- Purchased lifeline ambulance at a cost of $148,053
• July 14, 2015
Purchased two “tough book “computers at cost of $3,610
• March 1, 2016Purchased two Zoll Series X12 lead heart monitors at a cost of $57,001.27
• April 11, 2017. Hired Kristi Gilliam and Kathy Pardo as full-time medic / firefighters
• Jan. 30, 2021 – Hired Josh Sanford as second fulltime firefighter/EMT
• Feb. 22, 2021 - New ambulance delivered. Ford F350 from EV+
• March 1, 2021Received AFG Grant for $43,000 to purchase a cot loading system for the ambulance #231
• March 1, 2022 - Hired Matt Wooten as third fulltime medic / firefighter
• Dec. 25, 2022. Hired Michael Stempien as new full-time firefighter / EMT, and Neal Dopp as replacement full-time medic / firefighter
• Jan. 1, 2023 - Received grant for new Lucas CPR device at cost of $23,841.
1983 equipment inventory
Total equipment inventory of the Gerrish Township Fire Department in 1983 included:
• 1980 Horton fourwheel-drive ambulance
• 1967 GMC four-wheeldrive rescue unit with Jaws of Life
• 1969 1,000-gallon Ford pumper
• 1975 600-gallon GMC tanker
• 1975 international fourwheel-drive mini pumper
• 1975 1,250-gallon GMC pumper, tanker
• 1952 military fourwheel-drive brush truck, and a military jeep all fully equipped
The department at the time was all volunteer and had a crew of 25 regular members.
Why Roscommon?
Have you ever wondered “why” the Michigan Firemen’s Memorial statue was erected in Roscommon? During the early 1970’s, efforts were begun by the Michigan State Firefighter’s Association (MFSA) to find a site to build a memorial to Michigan’s firefighters. Several areas in the state had been considered including St. Ignace and Roscommon. Barnie Calka, Bill Black, and Art Witkowski comprised the committee in charge of locating a site and getting the statue built. In the end, the Forest Fire Experiment Station site was chosen due to it’s proximity to I-75; central location in the state; to hopefully increase tourism
in the area; and that it would help improve the economy in the county. The DNR donated the property for the construction of the memorial and parking. Additional plans were for creation of a prayer court, picnic area, restrooms, pavilion, benches and at one point, even a campground had been considered.
Detroit craftsman, Edward Chesney created the 12 foot tall 2000 pound statue honoring the memory of Michigan fire fighters. September 20, 1980 the statue was dedicated before 5,000 locals, dignitaries, firefighters, their families and others from around the state. Situated among tall pines, the statue is of
a 19th Century firefighter in helmet and slicker, and depicts a young child held in his left arm and his lantern in his right hand. He stands on a black marble base, on which the names of those firefighter heroes, who have fallen in the line of duty, have been engraved. In the years since construction and dedication of the memorial began, a wall honoring
deceased firefighters from across the state, has been built and expanded with names continuing on the reverse side.
The public park portion was completed in June, 1984. The park is dotted with antique fire fighting apparatus, picnic tables, and benches so that visitors
► See WHY ROSCOMMON on page 15
A VolunteerLives Touched
By Donna Thoma
It has been said that in the Army, soldiers are told “never to volunteer.” The premise being, you may get a “dirty or dangerous” assignment. When we volunteer, we also don’t always consider the impact our service may have on others, or how many. Our actions may affect only a few...or thousands. The actions and commitment of four men 44 years ago, have had a huge impact on Roscommon County and surrounding areas.
In spring 1980, the Michigan State Firefighters Association (MSFA),
contacted Jim Stender, then President of the Roscommon County Firemen’s Association, and asked if Roscommon firefighters could put something together following the dedication event, as entertainment for attendees. Stender approached the county Fire Chiefs Association for ideas. A committee of 22 men, including firefighters, DNR, and businessmen from around the county volunteered. They planned and organized a “party” to be held in the large DNR
► See VOLUNTEER on page 12
75th Anniversary of Gerrish Township Fire & EMS
Volunteers
Continued from page 11
hanger at the airport down the road. Under the guidance of Lorion, in 1981 that committee again organized entertainment.
Past Gerrish Township Fire Chiefs
Gerrish Township Fire and EMS has had a number of leaders over the past 75 years.
Prior to 1988, all fire chiefs were elected to the position by the firefighters themselves. Starting with Ralph Desloover in 1989, all fire chiefs have been appointed by the Gerrish Township Board.
Chiefs and their tenure include:
• Robert Schicker (1950)
• Keith Carrick (1951-53)
• Doug Purcell (1954-57)
• Ray Kinkella (1958-59)
• David Lorion (1960-61)
• Jim Pavek (1962-63)
• Bruce Lorion (1964-65, 67-69, 76-77, 79-80)
• Cliff Yorty (1966)
• Jack Biggar (1970-71, 73)
• Jim Pavek (1972, 78)
• Wayne Robinson (1974-75)
• Howard Telling, Jr. (1981)
• Ed Erber (1982-83, and 86-87)
• Jim Lippert (1984-85, 2014-18)
• Loren Baxter (1988)
• Ralph Desloover (1989-2001)
• Harold Conner, Jr. (2001-06)
• John Patchin (2006-2014)
• Jim Fisher (2019 to date)
When approached in 1982, RCFA members felt this was too much for them to continue. Needless to say, it had became a larger endeavor than anticipated. Bruce Lorion, then, a 24 year veteran and officer of the Gerrish Township Fire Department, said “I’ll do it”. Lorion, Stender, Roy Milnes, and Larry Schmidt formed the Michigan Firemen’s Memorial Festival Committee that year. Lorion said, he could see “value” for the county and community, in continuing of the “Festival.”
These men, their wives and extended families worked tirelessly to build an organization, entice fire vendors and firefighters to attend, improve the Fire Training Grounds, and much more. While he was active in the fire service as a member of the Gerrish Fire Department, Lorion served as Training Officer, Captain, Lieutenant, Assistant Chief, and nine years as Fire Chief. His father, Vincent, was also a firefighter with the department. Beginning with the first organized “Festival”, Lorion served for twenty five years as President of the MFMFC. The “Festival” eventually outgrew the DNR airport property, and moved to the county fair grounds.
For a few years after moving to the fair grounds,
the dance and bar were held in a massive red and white tent at the grounds, and on chilly fall evenings, it was warmed by salamander heaters Bruce borrowed. Eventually, a concrete floor was added to the area.
As attendance numbers grew, a need for a larger facility became reality. 1991 the Big Red Barn was completed. A year or so later the meeting room and classroom were added. Over the years the electrical, plumbing and speaker systems had many upgrades. When questions of who to contact, or how to do a job comes up, the Committee refers to Bruce.
Bruce and the committee were always trying to improve the Festival and grounds. Over the years, there were teen dances, free rides for youngsters, and Family Night activities.
In 1994, the Fair Board had a building donated to them but their membership was unable to erect it. Bruce organized members of the MFMFC to get it built that year, and placed over the existing concrete floor where they had once had the large tent. The the modern version of the event began.
The Fire Training Grounds are available to community organizations for little or no cost, except perhaps, to cover water or electrical expenses. Organizations such as area Senior Citizen’s, 4th of July Fireworks Committee, ABATE Motor cycle organization, Scouts, Camping Clubs and others
The way it used to be
From January 1970 to 1984, the Gerrish Township Fire Department made significant progress in how it is notified about a fire or emergency.
Originally, a fire call was made with a relay system, which involved contacting all of the firefighter’s wives.
It grew later to include a radio monitor system where fire calls were rerouted to the Roscommon County
Sheriff Department. The sheriff set up radio monitors in the homes of each fireman. There were two way radios set up in each piece of equipment, as well as the personal vehicles of the chief and assistant chief. Today, fire victims call the Roscommon County Dispatch at 911. Firefighters are toned to a fire two different ways: A pager and a cell phone app.
Thoughts from the ranks …
Being here for about 18 years I have so many memories that probably seem strange to those not in the department.
What I’m going to share are the memories that I feel have made us at Gerrish … FAMILY.
The late-night fire calls, when everyone works together to put our trucks back in service, regardless of how tired we are or what the day ahead brings. The breakfasts we have when the work is done, chatting about whatever happens to be brought up.
It can go from the call we had to family, vacations, or random funny stories. The tailboard talks about what we can do to improve. Sometimes heart to heart conversations when you
need to vent. The “solving world problems” over coffee as part of our morning routine.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. The saying “It’s not where you work but who you work with that makes you want to show up,” is so true.
I am very thankful and proud of my Gerrish family.
- Kristi Gilliam
My favorite memory can’t be described as a singular instant at the department.
It’s more about the camaraderie, sense of family and knowing that we have each other’s backs, while effectively and professionally serving our community.
- William Sbonek
Harold Connor speaks with some schoolchildren about fire safety.
From the Chief
Continued from page 3
department are not here for a job, they are here because they want to be here. They want to serve. They want to be part of something positive.
We enjoy each other’s support during the heat of an incident, or whether we are
training or relaxing. In the midst of it all, we’re lucky to have been a part of this and wouldn’t want it any other way!
Thank you for your support.
Jim Fisher
Gerrish Fire and EMS chief
Why Roscommon?
Continued from page 10
may enjoy the tranquility of the space. Apparatus donations included - a hose cart donated by Marysville Fire Department, a fire hydrant donated by Traverse City Iron Works and a pull fire alarm donated by the Lansing Fire Department. The park portion was dedicated September 15, 1984.
Care and upkeep of the
Memorial site is provided by the Michigan Firefighters Association. Due to the initial attendance and response of those attending the first dedication, it was decided to hold a re-dedication and prayer service honoring state firefighters who had passed in the previous year. The MSFA Memorial Service is held each year the third full weekend of September .
FIRE/EMS DEPT. MISSION STATEMENT:
Together ... Proudly Serving our Community Family
Did you know that Gerrish Township Fire & EMS offers all the following services?
• Blood Pressure & Glucose Checks
• Vile of Life
• Smart 911
• Firehouse Tours
• CPR Classes
• Pre-Incident Survey
• Burn Permits
• Grayson’s Gift
Current chief is Jim Fisher. He can be reached at 989-821-9813 or fisherj@gerrishtownship.org.
