10/12/2026
In the November 3rd, General Election there is a proposal to renew the Northfield Township Fire Departments Operational Millage. The proposal is for 2.5 mills over the next 5 years. In 2021 the Township Residence vote in favor of the current millage set to expire in 2027.
For this post we want to concentrate on various response portfolios that Northfield FD responds on.
Northfield Fire responds on predominantly medical calls for service. We are a State Licensed EMS provider at the Basic Life Support (BLS) non-transporting level. This is the reason that you will see a fire truck arrive before an ambulance. The Fire Dept. usually arrives to stabilize and treat the patient requesting help. Staff are predominantly Emergency Medical Technicians at the basic level (EMT-B).
There are several classification for EMS License in the state, the hierarchy starts with Medical First Responders (MFR’s), EMT-B, EMT-Specialist(AEMT), Paramedics (EMT_P). Each level has common responsibilities but are given protocols that allow them to do more advance levels of care in the Pre-Hospital setting. However, when working for a Licensed Agency such as Northfield FD. The Staff can only practice at the level of their employer. Our Staff would perform the duties and follow the protocols as an EMT-B when on scene.
FD crews have the ability to take critical vitals and information when assessing a patient. This may be as simple as blood pressure, heart rate, pulse ox, breathing rate, and glucose levels. This treatment may extend to bleeding control, allergic reactions, and the treatment of cardiac arrest patient. Crews have the ability to utilize other equipment such as an Automated External Defibrator(AED), both basic and advance airways, and we have two mechanical CPR devices. These assist us with consistent chest compressions during the incident as crews follow through our County Protocols.
Crews stabilize and provide immediate lifesaving care until more advance equipment and the transporting agency arrives. Our work does not end there, we on occasions provide additional equipment or personnel for the transport agency during their transport to the hospital. This is our commitment to provide the best possible outcome for our patients even after transferring care to another agency.
Northfield Fire is referred to as an all hazards agency. In addition to EMS care and Fire related calls. Our members are trained in Hazardous Materials response at the Operational Level. This means we have the ability to identify hazards and take the appropriate actions within our abilities. Should we identify a need for more specialized equipment and personnel, we have access to the Washtenaw County Hazardous Material Response Team. This is a County wide agency that has specialize equipment and personnel to handle incidents that may beyond our ability to stabilize and mediate. We have several department members that are on the team and train monthly with the team.
We also respond to various Technical Rescue request. The most common would-be vehicle extrication. When the aftermath of an accident, an occupant finds themselves trapped inside a vehicle or machinery. Northfield FD has extrication, commonly referred to in the past as the Jaws of Life. We received equipment in the early 2020’s via a purchase through the equipment budget and a little later we were awarded and purchased additional equipment through a regional grant. These tools upgrade equipment that was limited on ability and function. The new equipment is run on battery power.
Northfield Fire has equipment for surface rescue in the event of a water or through the ice rescue on our various waterways in the Township. Northfield FD has had Ice Rescue training and capability since the mid to early 1990’s. We have led the way in Ice Rescue training in the County over that time frame.
Northfield FD also has a small boat that is utilized for surface rescues and provides a support for various dive teams in both Washtenaw and Livingston County when needed. The boat allows us access to various bodies of water when needed. We have in the past responded to several drownings, medical emergencies, and missing individuals in our waterways.
Northfield FD is grateful to receive a Polaris ATV from former Assistant Chief John Reutter. AC Reutter was kind enough to donate the Polaris unit along with a trailer to transport the unit to various incidents in the Township. The Polaris is outfitted with a SKID unit that allows for some limited wildland fire suppression and rescue operations in remote locations. This unit expands our ability to respond into remote areas of the Township as our residence and visitors enjoy the great outdoors.
Along with the resources and training that Northfield FD provides, we also have access to the Washtenaw County Technical Rescue Team. This team provides additional response capabilities and equipment should a more advance technical rescue be required. The team has the ability to mediate Trench Rescues, Building Collapse, advance Extrications, and High & Low angle Rope Rescues, which includes technical rescues from trees.
As you can see, we deal with more than just structural fires. We also lend a hand to other communities through an extensive mutual aid agreement with over 23 other departments spanning over 3 Counties.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Northfield Township Fire Department, please contact the Fire Department Administration.
