The Richmond Volunteer Fire Department is one of the oldest chartered fire departments in Michigan. Every member is dedicated to help save lives and property, both residential and commercial. We provide the city and contracted townships the most current trained personnel and equipment available.
The Richmond Volunteer Fire Department is overseen by the City Council. The Fire Chief is voted into the position by the members of the department then appointed by City Council for a maximum term of 3-years that begins the first of March of that respective year. There are 7 slated officers that oversee other functions of the department. Each officer is directed by the chief and oversees all the members of the department.
The volunteer members are required to train throughout the year, which includes 120 hours of state certified fire training required for each regular member. The department conducts one (1) business meeting, one (1) training night and four (4) equipment apparatus checks each month. The certified training consists of structural training, air bags deployment, extrication, pump operations, drafting of water, ladders and ropes, hazmat and decon, WMD disasters, CPR and MFR certification, search and rescue as well ice rescue. Through donations, the department usually performs one (1) live burn per year.
Membership (2022)
Officers
Chief (Robert Treend)
Assistant Chief-2 (Robert Reindel)
Assistant Chief-3 (Thomas Garant)
Captain-1 (Matthew Ball)
Lieutenant-1 (Nicholas Yelencich)
Lieutenant-2 (Scott Gray)
Sergeant/Sec.Tres. (Joel Dobbelaer)
16-added general membership firefighters
2-trainee’s
1-active reserve
The Richmond Volunteer Fire Department members are dedicated firefighters who pride themselves in helping the people of this city. Over a 5-year average the department averages approximately 402 fire runs per year. The average response time, from when the members are paged to the time a truck arrives onto the scene is 6.75 minutes. This is the average for the entire 100+ square mile coverage area. The department currently services the City of Richmond and portions of Casco, Columbus, and Richmond Townships.
The current fire trucks/apparatus used within the service areas are:
Engine-1 (2009-HME) (6) Personnel max Heavy Rescue-1 (1993 International) (2) Personnel max Water-1 (1992 Pierce) (5) Personnel max Squad – 1 (2009 GMC) (5) Personnel max Ladder – 2 (2018 Rosenbauer) (6) Personnel max Grass - 1 (1965 4 x 4 Chevy) (2) Personnel max
Community Programs
Fire Prevention Week
This is a week long program during October, which is designed to teach adults and young children about the do's and don'ts concerning fire safety, stop drop and roll, calling 911, and checking the smoke alarms in their homes.
Open House
Every other year, a departmental open house is conducted during Fire Prevention Week. During the open house the general public can ask questions concerning the department functions and watch demonstrations of equipment being used by the department. You can see the Jaws of Life in practice, take a fire truck ride, take part in giveaways, and meet the members of the department.
Tours throughout the year are given to the schools, Boy Scout troops and day care classes. Call (586) 727-4000 to schedule a walk through of the department for your class or organization.