04/30/2026
Meet the Fire Department Team:
Full-Time Firefighters:
FFirefighter Kevin Borse Firefighter Kevin Borse has been a firefighter for over 12 years with the last six serving Bangor Township.
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Firefighter Robert Struck
Firefighter Robert Struck began with Bangor Township in 2014 as a paid-on-call member and became full-time in 2022.
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Firefighter Christian Iverson
Firefighter Christian Iverson has been a firefighter for over 40 years. He began his career with the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department and left as an Assistant Chief; he then went to Cutlerville Fire Department in Grand Rapids and eventually moved on to Ferndale Fire Department where he retired as a Lieutenant. Christian came out of retirement to join Bangor Township as a full-time firefighter in 2021.
His certifications inII Firefighter I & II, EMU Staff & Command, EMT-Paramedic, and an Associate Degree in Fire Science.
Outside of work he enjoys golf, playing the drums, and participating in church activities. He has a daughter, Grace Alexandria, a graduate of GVSU in Sports Medicine, and a pitbull named Bentley.
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Firefighter Joseph Baker
Firefighter Joseph Baker began his career 18 years ago with Wilson Township in Alpena County. He joined Bangor Township’s paid-on-call roster in 2020 and became full-time in 2022.
His certifications include: Firefighter I & II, Fire Instructor I, VFIS Driver Training, ATV Instructor, Wildland Firefighting, EMT-Basic, HazMat Technician, Low Angle Rescue, and OEC Instructor.
Joe enjoys snowboarding, ski patrol, woodworking, camping, and trail riding. He is married with two young children, ages 3 and 2.
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Firefighter Austin Rahn
Firefighter Austin Rahn began his career as a paid-on-call firefighter in 2015 and became full-time in 2022.
His certifications include Firefighter I & II and EMT-Basic.
Austin enjoys video games, model trains, and spending as much time as possible with his fiancée Hailey, whom he met while working at the fire department. She is an EMT with MMR.
Austin’s mother is an RN at McLaren Bay Region, his father owns a plumbing and heating business, and he has an older brother who is a DJ.
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Firefighter Michael Sarnowski
Firefighter Michael Sarnowski joined the paid-on-call staff in 1996 and became full-time in 2006.
His certifications include: Firefighter I & II, HazMat Operations, EMT-Basic, Fire Service Driver Training, Clandestine Drug Law Awareness, Company Officer I–III, Michigan Firefighter Training Council certifications, Fire Instructor I, HSI CPR Instructor, and VFIS Emergency Vehicle Driver Training Instructor.
Before his fire service career, Michael served four years active duty in the U.S. Army as a medic and five years in the Michigan Army National Guard.
He enjoys spending time with his wife Belinda, their five children, one grandson, and family pets.
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Firefighter Mason Bezotte
Firefighter Mason Bezotte attended the Saginaw County Fire Academy in 2021-2022 and joined Bangor Township’s paid-on-call staff in July 2022. As a paid on call firefighter he received a life saving award for exemplary performance in December 2022. Mason was promoted to full-time in January 2025.
He holds certifications in Firefighter I & II, HazMat Operations, EMT-Basic, and VFIS Driver Training. He received a Unit Citation for a life-saving rescue occurring in the Fall of 2025 at the Bay City State Park.
Mason enjoys camping, fishing, traveling, and spending time with his family. He comes from a family dedicated to community service, including state representatives, police officers, firefighters, and social workers. He is the youngest of two children.
Firefighter Michael O’Hara
Firefighter Michael O’Hara has been serving in the fire and EMS field since 2006 bringing nearly two decades of experience and dedication to public safety. He joined the Bangor Township team in December 2025. He has worked with the Kawkawlin Fire Department and Mobile Medical Response (MMR). He is always eager to advance in his career and continue developing his skills in both firefighting and emergency medical services. He holds certifications in advanced pump operations, HazMat and Scuba. Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife – who is a trauma nurse at McLaren Bay and their four children ages 19, 17, 14 and 13. Together, they love boating in the summer, snowmobiling in the winter, traveling and spending quality time outdoors. His hobbies include working on cars, making improvements around their home and attending his children’s events.
Paid-On-Call Firefighters:
Sergeant Ben Lanning has served with Bangor Township for twelve years. His certifications include Firefighter I & II, EMT–Basic, State of Michigan Fire Instructor I, State of Michigan Fire Officer I (NFPA 1021 Certified), and HAZMAT Technician. Outside of work, Ben enjoys amateur radio and fishing. His girlfriend, Megan, and their two dogs, Bella and Clifford, are very proud of him.
Firefighter Brian Phillips is an Engineer and EMT. He has been a paid-on-call firefighter for twenty-six years, beginning his service with Bangor Township in 1998. His certifications include Firefighter I & II, EMT, Fire Instructor, Fire Officer, and Hazardous Materials Operations. Brian enjoys boating, golfing, and traveling. He and his wife, Amy, have been married for twenty-seven years and have two children, Kayla and Andrew, along with two grandchildren—Payton (4) and Carter (2). Brian’s son Andrew recently joined the paid-on-call staff as well.
Probationary Firefighter Jose DeLeon has been with the department for seven months. He is a newly certified firefighter holding Firefighter I & II, EMT, and police officer certifications. Jose enjoys camping, riding ATVs, fixing cars, and home repair. He is the father of three children: Vincent (12), Cecilia (8), and Veronica (5).
Probationary Firefighter Andrew Phillips joined our roster this November. He holds certifications in Firefighter I & II and enjoys spending time with his family and friends and playing games. Andrew’s father, Brian Phillips, also serves as a paid-on-call firefighter and EMT and works for Enbridge. His mother works for Dow, and he has two older siblings. Andrew is looking forward to the opportunity to work alongside his father.
Probationary Firefighter Addison Martin is a new hire as of October. Addison spent two years as a Fire Explorer in Frankenlust Township and holds certifications in Firefighter I & II and HAZMAT Operations. She is awaiting her EMT testing. Addison enjoys caring for her two dogs, walking and running in nature, and recreational exercise including basketball and football. She lives with her grandparents, and her mother is an EMT with MedStar in Bay City.
Firefighter Greg Winchell has been with the department for a little over a year and a half. He began his career as a firefighter 3 ½ years ago at Midland Township. His certifications include Firefighter I & II and HazMat Operations. Outside of work he enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. Greg has four beautiful children ages 19, 9, 4 and 3 and is engaged to be married to Amanda Schlicker.
