Annual Meeting (Fire Department Annual Report)

The 2023 Annual Report for Leland Township Fire & Rescue highlights the department’s commitment to continuous improvement and community service. Under the leadership of Fire Chief Dan Besson, the department has successfully navigated challenges such as staff turnover and equipment delays. A significant achievement was the completion of negotiations with the Leland Township Professional Firefighters Local 5120, resulting in a competitive collective bargaining agreement aimed at attracting and retaining firefighters. This agreement also incentivizes full-time EMTs to pursue paramedic licensure, with two members currently in training. The department expanded its full-time duty crew to nine members, allowing for better staffing and response capabilities across three shifts. Additionally, the report details the ongoing efforts to replace aging equipment, including the anticipated arrival of a new ambulance in early 2024 and plans to consolidate two tankers into a single, more advanced vehicle.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the department’s response statistics and operational performance in 2023. The department responded to 463 calls for service, a decrease from the previous year but still significantly higher than a decade ago. The majority of calls were for rescue and EMS incidents, followed by good intent calls and service calls. The new staffing model implemented in 2023 resulted in improved response times, with an average reduction of over a minute compared to the previous year. The department also engaged in mutual aid with neighboring areas, contributing to and receiving assistance on nearly 20% of calls. Training remained a priority, with personnel accumulating over 2,354 hours of classroom training, focusing on various critical skills and scenarios to enhance their readiness and effectiveness.

Community engagement and risk reduction efforts were emphasized throughout the year. The newly appointed Community Risk Reduction Coordinator, Greg Thomas, played a pivotal role in enhancing public safety programs, including a community-wide free smoke alarm initiative. This program was bolstered by partnerships with the Michigan Bureau of Fire Services and the adoption of a digital management platform to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the initiative. The department also actively participated in community events, providing fire safety education and hands-on training to residents. Looking forward, the department’s strategic goals for 2024 include further improving water supply capabilities, continuing to enhance training programs, and addressing emerging challenges such as lithium-ion battery fires. These efforts underscore Leland Township Fire & Rescue’s dedication to serving and protecting the community through proactive preparation and response.
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