Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority

08/31/2026

This week, we’re proud to introduce Firefighter Eric Parrish!
Eric joined the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority in 2017. Shortly after completing his On-the-Job Training (OJT), he expanded his role in public safety by joining the Livingston County Drone Team.
The county-wide Drone Team brings together public safety personnel from agencies throughout Livingston County and provides an important resource during complex incidents. Working alongside fire departments, law enforcement, and specialized teams such as the Livingston County Dive Team, drone operators provide an aerial perspective that can improve situational awareness during searches, water rescues, large-scale incidents, and other emergency operations.
Over the years, Eric has become a highly skilled drone operator and a valuable resource not only for HDFA, but for agencies throughout Livingston County and beyond. Operating a drone on an emergency scene involves much more than simply flying—it requires maintaining situational awareness, understanding the incident objectives, communicating with command, and using technology to provide crews with useful, real-time information.
Eric’s technical knowledge and ability to operate effectively in challenging environments make him an important part of our specialized response capabilities.
When Eric isn’t at the fire department, you’ll still find him right here in Hartland, where he and his wife own and operate their own business. Eric is extremely tech-savvy, has a natural ability to figure out how things work, and is also the kind of person you want around when an engine—or just about anything mechanical—needs some attention.
Whether he’s providing an eye in the sky during an emergency response, turning wrenches on an engine, or lending a hand in the community, Eric is always finding a way to put his skills to work.
Thank you, Firefighter Parrish, for your dedication, expertise, and continued service to HDFA and the communities we serve!

08/29/2026

Great reminder from the Livingston County Health Department.

Distracted driving is preventable. Do not multitask while driving. Whether it’s adjusting your mirrors, selecting music, eating, making a phone call, or reading a text, do it before or after your trip, not during.

Learn more about Michigan’s distracted driving law here: www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/ohsp/safety-programs/distracted-driving

08/28/2026

This week, our crews got out into the community to evaluate several new construction projects within Station 61’s first-due response area.
Understanding how a building is constructed is an important part of preparing for emergencies. Building construction can directly impact fire behavior, fire spread, collapse potential, access, ventilation, and the tactics our crews use when seconds matter.
Every building presents different challenges. By getting inside these structures during construction, our firefighters can see firsthand how they are built, identify potential hazards, and better understand what we may encounter during an emergency.

08/27/2026

For address signs please allow 2 weeks once you drop off a form. Forms available at our front desk or at https://hartlandareafire.com/community_risk_reduction/.

08/24/2026

Continuing our Meet Our Member Monday series, we are proud to introduce Sergeant Aaron Waldron!

Sgt. Waldron joined the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority in 2013 as a recruit, earned his black helmet in 2014, and was promoted to Sergeant in 2023. Since joining our department, Aaron has become a valued member of our team and a familiar face throughout our community.

You'll see Aaron at many of our public education events and department activities, where he is always willing to lend a hand and interact with the community.

When Aaron isn't at our station, you'll find him serving full-time as a firefighter with Northfield Township. And if you're around Hartland, you may even recognize him behind the wheel of a school bus, helping get local kids where they need to go!

When he's not working one of his many jobs, Aaron enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. The Waldron family loves traveling, exploring new places, and making memories together wherever their adventures take them.

Aaron is also one of those people who is always working on something. He's incredibly handy and is constantly taking on projects of his own or helping friends and family with theirs.

We're thankful for Aaron's years of service, his commitment to not only our community but others as well, and his willingness to always step up and help wherever he's needed.

Thank you, Sgt. Waldron, for everything you do for our department and our community!

08/20/2026

A few reminders as we start a new school year here in Hartland.

08/19/2026

Getting close!!!

We've been getting questions about the Crouse Road bridgework here at Township Hall. MDOT has provided us with an update this morning:

MDOT will have the temporary barrier wall pushed back tonight to allow both lanes to be open for the start of the school day tomorrow.

At 10 am tomorrow, the temporary barrier wall will be placed back and one lane will be open under flagging. This time will be used to pour the permanent barrier wall. They plan to be back open to two lanes by 2pm tomorrow at the latest.

Hoping this eases first day of school fears, but please plan to have a backup plan in place!

Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority

Hartland Living

08/17/2026

As we continue our Member Monday series, we are proud to introduce Firefighter John Knight!

John joined the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority as a recruit in 2022 and earned his black helmet in 2025. Since then, he has continued to dedicate his time to working shifts, attending training, and serving the residents of our community.

His dedication to helping others and serving his community is truly unmatched. John consistently demonstrates that commitment, hard work, and a willingness to step up are what matter most. Whether on an emergency scene, during training, or working a shift, he continues to show up ready to contribute, take on the challenge, and give it his all.

John is a Deerfield resident and regularly responds out of our Deerfield Station, allowing him to serve the very community he calls home. Outside of the fire department, John is a proud father of three children and has dedicated much of his life to public service. Before joining our department, John proudly served for many years in the military.

John, thank you for your continued dedication and for showing your community, your department, and your country what true commitment to service looks like.
We are proud to have you on our team!

08/10/2026

To continue our Meet Our Member Monday series, this week we are proud to introduce Sergeant Melanie Bartley!

Mel joined the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority in 2018 as a recruit and earned her black helmet in 2019. After years of hard work and dedication, she was promoted to Sergeant in 2024.

But one of Mel's most important roles began in 2023, when she became our Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Coordinator. Since taking on that role, the incredible impact she has made throughout our community continues to shine every day.

Mel has been the driving force behind some of our department's biggest community outreach efforts. She is the mastermind behind our Community Health and Safety Event (C.H.A.S.E.), has completely revamped our smoke alarm program, and manages our holiday program for students at our alternative high school.

And the numbers speak for themselves! Since taking over the CRR program in 2023, Sgt. Bartley has helped educate an incredible 4,558 children and 2,070 adults — reaching a total of 6,628 people!

Public education isn't just part of Mel's job — it's something she is truly passionate about. You can see that passion in every event, program, and interaction she has with the community. Her dedication to making our community safer and better educated is something we're incredibly proud of.

When she's not at the fire station, Mel enjoys going on adventures with her husband and kids. As for where they're headed next...who knows! This family is always finding a new place to explore and a new adventure to take on.

When they're not traveling, Mel enjoys remodeling, tackling projects, and putting her handy skills to work. She's the kind of person who can take on just about any project, and you'll often find her listening to a good book while she works.

Thank you, Sgt. Bartley, for your dedication, passion, and the incredible impact you continue to make in our community. 6,628 people educated and counting! We are lucky to have you on our team!