Montcalm County Fire Association

11/11/2020

ATTENTION FIRE SERVICE SUPPORTERS

Please read the following letter concerning the Cancer Presumption Bill and follow the very simple instructions TODAY!! Your email can provide much needed support for firefighters everywhere!!

Call to Action

All Michigan Fire Fighters!!!

Dear Michigan Fire Fighters,

We received word today that Rep. Yaroch's bill, HB 4063 to add cancer presumption for ALL Michigan Fire Fighters has been added to the agenda for TOMORROW at 11:00am.

We are asking all fire fighters to send in virtual support of the bill. We do understand that this request is last minute, but by asking as many fire fighters as possible to send in a email of support could prove to be very helpful.

All support can be emailed to the committee clerk Dakota Soda at [email protected]

Please include in the subject of the email House Insurance. In the body of the email, please include the following information:

Your Name
Your Address
I Support HB 4063


Thank you for your help!
Sincerely,

Michigan State Firemen's Association
9001 Miller Rd, Suite 10
Swartz Creek, MI 48473
(810)635-9513
[email protected]

09/18/2020

Looking for full-time employment doing the GREATEST JOB ON EARTH?? Wait no more!!

Heard a rumor that if you are a Paramedic, but do NOT have your firefighter certification, they will sponsor selected candidates for an area fire academy.

See the flyer for more details!

09/13/2020

9/11 Stair Climb 2020

Here are just a few of the local firefighters from Montcalm County Fire Departments that climbed at today's memorial event in Grand Rapids at the 5th/3rd Stair Climb. Members from Belvidere FD, Carson City FD, Greenville Public Safety, Lakeview FD, Montcalm FD, Richland FD, and Stanton FD. Hopefully in 2021 we can have representatives from every department in Montcalm. Thank you to everyone who supported those that climbed. #neverforget

09/01/2020

UPDATE AS OF ,28:00 HOURS 9/2/20

Meet at Carson City Fire Department at 630pm. Aeromed is unable to fly in due to a flight.

AEROMED HELICOPTER PROGRAM

Carson City Fire Department will be hosting the Montcalm County Fire Association training this Wednesday, September 2nd, starting at 6:30 pm. The training will be given by AeroMed from Grand Rapids and will consist of a Powerpoint class held at the Fire Station and then we will go over a couple of blocks to Sparrow Carson Hospital for the hands on portion with the helicopter.

Per the current EO from the state, masks are recommended and we will take temperatures and answer the required questionnaire for attendee's. We will have bottled water, coffee and Ice Tea available, but are unable to provide dinner at this time.

08/24/2020

What a great LOCAL way to show your support for our hometown heroes from the Military, Police, Fire and EMS agencies. It is the 6th Annual Patriot's Day Silent Parade on September 11th, 2020.

See the flyer for more details and how to register.

Please join the Honor Guard and dozens of first responders to honor our fallen Brothers and Sisters of the Police, Fire, EMS and Military families. Any organization can participate in the silent parade, line the streets of Lakeview to show your support and patriotism, or join us for a short Memorial Service at the Lakeview Middle School following the parade.

See the details below and make plans to join us. Please follow the COVID-19 safety precautions during the events.

08/19/2020

EXTRICATION & STABILIZATION

The dates have been set for these two (2) courses for September 26th & 27th at Montcalm Community College. You can register on SMOKE and are available at No Charge. We encourage you to sign up for both courses (VE & AVS) to receive certificates for each of them. We offer these in conjunction with each other, so attendance both days is required. Any questions, please contact the Course Manager Steve VanHolstyn at [email protected] or (616) 835-3243.

Course Numbers:
2020-1-59-K01B-0042
2020-1-59-K01B-0046

08/08/2020

It was an emotional day for the Honor Guard; one we will remember for a lifetime. As we stood among hundreds of first responders from all over the State of Michigan, we were honored to be be able to say goodbye to Trooper Caleb Starr; taken much too soon. #StarrStrong

It was humbling to witness and be a part of remembering and celebrating the young life of Trooper Caleb Starr. We stood #StarrStrong next to our Brothers in Blue of the Michigan State Police Lakeview Post as they laid Badge #485 to rest and said their final goodbyes. God Speed, Caleb.

Photo Courtesy Ryan James

07/31/2020

Once again, our Honor Guard traveled to another county to pay their respects for a Fallen Brother; one they never knew.

Thank you, Gentlemen, for representing Montcalm County Fire Departments. Rest In Peace, Chief Dale Wolverton.

This evening, members of the Honor Guard traveled to Ravenna in Muskegon County to pay respects to a fallen Brother.

Chief Dale Wolverton, of the Moorland Township Fire Department passed away July 27th, 2020 after faithfully serving his community for 35 years. Chief Wolverton will be laid to rest Friday following the service.

Although we may not have met Chief Wolverton or gained knowledge from his years of service, he, his family, and fire department are apart of our family of Firefighters. It was our honor and duty to say goodbye and thank him for his sacrifices.

Rest In Peace, Chief.

07/30/2020

2020 Grand Rapids 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb - National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

COVID-19 can't stop everything from happening.

The date has been set and REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the 2020 9/11 Stair Climb in Grand Rapids!!

Teamraiser Event

07/13/2020

LOCAL FIREFIGHTER TRAINNG

With the pandemic, most of you probably know we had to cancel/postpone a few of the stand alone courses we integrate in the Fire Academy. Those classes have been rescheduled and updated in SMOKE.

TIMS - Traffic Incident Management System Saturday, July 18th, 8:00 am @ Sheridan Community Center

Driver's Training Classroom Saturday, July 25th, 8:00 am @ Sheridan Community Center

Incident Command Resource Management Saturday & Sunday, September 12th & 13th, 8:00 am Greenville Public Schools (Most Likely)

Vehicle Extrication A DATE HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED

Advanced Vehicle Stabilization A DATE HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED

All of these courses are OPEN to any firefighter and at No Charge as we are using Fireworks funds. Students need to register on SMOKE. Academy students have already been notified of the new dates, times and locations and are/were registered. Please share this with your members and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Stay Safe,

Steve VanHolstyn

06/24/2020

Montcalm County Fire Association

06/24/2020

Montcalm County Fire Association's cover photo

06/23/2020

Montcalm County Fire Association Honor Guard

Looks like another great event hosted by the Honor Guard and The Links at Bowen Lakes!! Special thanks to all who were able to join in and support a good cause; our firefighters!! Thank you, All!!

We are beyond appreciative of the 39 Golf Teams and dozens of supporters, donations, sponsors and participants in this year's Golf Outing! We had the biggest turnout EVER with 39 Teams and we had to turn away a half a dozen before Friday. We didn't ask for sponsors this year because of the financial hardship and economic impact COVID-19 has had one everyone. Even still, we had sponsors that donated and supported our cause;

AC Detailing, American Classic, Bill's Fireworks of Greenville & Ionia, Blanchard's Market in Crystal, Bookwalter Chevrolet, Bookwalter Towing & Recovery, Goldstar Outdoors in Edmore, Grandville Endodontics, Hurst Funeral Homes, Rockafellow Excavating, Stanton Hardware, Well & Septic Inspections LLC, and The Winter Inn

And a few individuals who offered their support as well; Firefighter Jessica Carroll, Fire Chief Mark Crawfis, Glenn & Penny Dora, Firefighter Jeremy Gallagher, and our friends at The Links at Bowen Lakes. You all made this event successful!!

To our amazing and, some not so amazing golfers, THANK YOU!!! Your generosity, enthusiasm and sportsmanship were the key to a fantastic event. I tried to reach out to Everyone, so I am sorry if I missed you, but please know, I appreciate each and every one of you for supporting our local firefighters.

We are confident next year's event will be just as amazing!!

On behalf of the Honor Guard, THANK YOU, again, for all of your support.

Best wishes,

Steve VanHolstyn

.

06/11/2020

Montcalm County Fire Association

06/11/2020

We bow our heads and offer a prayer to our Brothers and Sisters at Portland Area Fire of Ionia County on the passing of Firefighter Joe Shaltry.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to our brothers and sisters of the Portland Area Fire Authority in Ionia County as they mourn the loss of Firefighter Joe Shaltry. Rest in Peace, Brother.

06/02/2020

***For those who have offered or are able to assist, please be at the Sheridan Community Center by 7:30 am Saturday, June 13th. You will need to be clean shaven, bring your PPE in case, provide your own beverage./food. You will also be REQUIRED to complete a COVID health screening prior to the exam as well as be REQUIRED to wear a mask. These restrictions are from the State and required to participate. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND OFFER TO HELP OUR FUTURE FIREFIGHTERS!!

FIRE ACADEMY HAS RESUMED!!

The Practical Exam has been scheduled for Saturday, June 13th at 8:00 am at the Sheridan Community Center and we NEED FIREFIGHTERS to help proctor the final exam. If you are interested, please contact Academy Director Steve VanHolstyn (616) 835-3243 or [email protected] as soon as possible.

06/02/2020

We tee off in a week on June 20th for the Golf Outing!!! There is still room for you and your team to join us in raising money for Montcalm County Firefighters! Details are below and the public is invited to gather up some friends and play a round of golf for fun!!

06/02/2020

Montcalm County Fire Association's cover photo

05/21/2020

Montcalm County Fire Association

05/21/2020

"When one hurts, we all hurt." God Speed, Father, R.I.P.

This evening, members of the Honor Guard paid their respects to Grand Raids Fire Department Chaplain Father Dennis Morrow who passed away. Although members never met Father Morrow, he is a Brother in the Fire Service and dedicated his life to serving others and God. It was an honor to be able to say a final goodbye to an honorable servant.

05/07/2020

Get your Team together and sign up for a day of fun; especially after being cooped up for the past several weeks!!!

Anyone can golf; it is not just for firefighters. Help support your local firefighters by joining in the fun on Saturday, June 20th, 2020 at 9:00 am!!

LOOKS LIKE WE ARE NOT STAYING HOME AND GOING GOLFING!!!!

We have reached out to The Links at Bowen Lakes and we are STILL ON for Saturday, June 20th at 9:00 am for the Annual Golf Outing!!!

The Registration Form is below, along with the details.

THE EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, SO ANYONE CAN GOLF AND HAVE SOME FUN!!

Send in your completed registration TODAY...prepayment is not necessary right now...we just would like a team count.

The outing is just over a month away, so don't delay. "Share" this post and get your friends, family and co-workers together for this NOT STAYING AT HOME ANYMORE event!!

04/12/2020

Montcalm County Emergency Services (4/11/2020 8:00 pm)

The National Weather Service is predicting a strong storm late Sunday night and into Monday. They are predicting a storm very similar to the one around Thanksgiving that knocked everyone's power out and flooded everything. Up to 60 MPH winds are possible and up to 3 inches of rain is possible. We are in Michigan, so no wind and no rain is also possible. But please prepare for a strong storm during the day tomorrow. Please secure anything the wind might affect, and make sure alternative power sources are ready to go. Hoarding toilet paper will not be necessary.

Eric Smith, Director
Emergency Management Office
Montcalm County

03/25/2020

The Statewide Tornado Siren Test scheduled for TODAY will NOT occur in Montcalm County due to the COVID-19 situation in order to negate any possible confusion .

03/21/2020

Montcalm County Fire Association

03/17/2020

Due to the COVID-19 health issue, the State Fire Marshal's Office has temporarily suspended all firefighter training courses including the Montcalm County Fire Academy 2020, until April 6th, 2020. This move was made to comply with health and government officials efforts to reduce the spread of Coronavirus and for the safety and well-being of the public. The Association has opted NOT to implement an Internet-based (on line) lecture program at this time. We feel the face-to-face interaction is a more effective way to teach the students and provides a better learning environment, especially when it comes to firefighting and their safety.

03/14/2020

**DUE TO THE RECENT HEALTH CONCERNS, THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR LATER IN THE FALL.**

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY - Farm Safety on March 23rd at Montcalm Area Career Center. See the details below.

03/14/2020

Montcalm County Fire Association's cover photo

03/10/2020

In speaking with the folks at The Links, they have made even more improvements to the course and facilities. Should be another GREAT event for the Fire Association to help raise money for equipment and training. EVERYONE is welcome to play and enjoy a worthwhile cause and spend some fun in the sun swinging and swinging again!!!

Gather your friends, neighbors and co-workers and register your team today!!

GOLF ANYONE?!?! Or how about some good outdoor fun with friends?!?!

Here is the Team Registration Form and the details of our upcoming Golf Scramble to benefit Montcalm County Fire Departments hosted by the Honor Guard.

Any questions, or if you or your business would like to sponsor a hole, please contact Capt. Steve VanHolstyn at (616) 835-3243 or [email protected].

03/02/2020

This list gets longer, yet the sacrifices are even greater.

We continue to Remember the Fallen for the dedication and honor to the Montcalm County Fire Service. These members passed away in the month of March in the year listed. Any additions or corrections would be appreciated.

Eugene Johnson Stanton Fire 3-1996
Rodger Meyer Sr. Richland Twp Fire 3-2014
Earl Smith Carson City Fire 3-3-1956
Matthew G. Mckenna Carson City Fire 3-5-1947
Donald K Train Sheridan Fire 3-6-2004
Tim “Vinny” Vincent Richland Twp Fire 3-7-2019
Dave Blackrick Crystal Twp Fire 3-8-2011
Elmer O. Beach Stanton Fire 3-8-2014
Tammy Holliday Covert Sheridan Fire 3-8-2015
Robert “Bob” Simmons Trufant Fire 3-9-1982
Hugh B Smith Lakeview Fire 3-10-1990
Grant Leon Musser Trufant Fire 3-11-1996
Robert J Hummel Carson City Fire 3-11-1977
Ted Johnson. Crystal Twp Fire
3-11-1984
Victor M Wyczesany Home Twp. Fire 3-11-2019
Jack Alden Throop Richland Twp Fire 3-12-2005
Matthew L Hall Carson City Fire 3-13-2009
John Dehart Richland Twp Fire 3-13-2011
Frank O Goforth Stanton Fire 3-14-2006
Donald Shurlow Home Twp. Fire 3-15-2006
“Fireman Bob” Dehart Greenville DPS 3-18-2014
Garett W. Peterman Day Twp Fire 3-19-2012
George Smith Home Twp Fire 3-20-1975
Keith Blackrick Crystal Twp Fire 3-21-1977
Otto Jorgenson Home Twp Fire 3-22-1952('62)
Merle Welch Richland Twp Fire 3-25-2009
Matthew Depauw Greenville DPS 3-27-2018
Leroy Beardslee Home Twp. Fire 3-28-2009
Ernest “Ernie” Russell Carson City Fire 3-28-2014
Jerry Fisher Carson City Fire 3-31-2016

03/01/2020

SHERIDAN FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS CANCELLED THE FIRE ASSOCIATION TRAINING FOR MARCH 4TH, 2020

02/22/2020

These T-shirts are still available. Please purchase one for $20.00, of which a portion will go to Ed Petersen's wife, Shelly. If you would like one you, can contact Jamie Maxwell, Karisa Bailey or Private Message this page for contact information. Please help a Brother Firefighter's Family. I got mine!!!

Prices: Small - Extra Large are $20.00
Extra Extra Large and Up are $23.00

02/09/2020

Montcalm County Fire Association Honor Guard

***T-shirts Available***

Help support Ed's Family by purchasing a shirt. $20.00 a shirt, $23.00 for 2XL and 3XL and these are immediately available. Contact Karissa Bailey or Private Message the Admin and we can connect you.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/310376749692837/permalink/576906313039878/

**FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS **

The visitation will be Wednesday from 3 until 7 at Simpson's Funeral Home, 225 W. Cedar Street, in Stanton. The funeral service will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Trinity Church, 415 N. Mill Street, in Stanton. There will be a luncheon following the service at the AmericanLegion Post, 337 W. Day Street, Stanton. Ed will receive full fire department honors.

---------------------------------------------------------------------'----
Several public safety agencies are mourning the loss of one of their own. Firefighter / Paramedic Edward "Skeeter" Petersen passed away this morning after his battle with cancer. These are only a few of the agencies and services Ed served over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ed's family and friends as well as his Brothers and Sisters. Rest in Peace, Brother.