Welcome to the Delta Township Fire Department

811 North Canal Rd. Delta Township, MI 48917 Phone Number:  517.321.6622

Fire Chief: Victor Hilbert Fire Chief Victor C. Hilbert has been the chief of the Delta Township Fire Department since 1984. He holds a Master of Arts degree from Andrews University and an Educational Specialist degree from the University of St. Thomas. He is certified as a state fire instructor, state fire administrator, and holds the designation of Chief Fire Officer from the International Fire Chiefs Association. Chief Hilbert has served in the fire service for more than 40 years. During these years, he has been a member of seven departments and has held positions as firefighter, sergeant, lieutenant, fire instructor, chairman of fire prevention, fire marshal, chief of training and fire chief.

Thanksgiving Day Safety

Thanksgiving Day fires in residential structures cause more property damage and claim more lives than residential structure fires on other days. The increase is troubling as it applies mostly to cooking fires in family homes. In 2005, cooking fires were involved in roughly 1,300 reported home structure fires on Thanksgiving – that’s almost three times the daily average.

It is easy to get wrapped up in entertaining guests, but it is important to monitor meal preparations since most cooking fires start when cooking is left unattended.

Another of the recent culprits for the increase of cooking fires during holidays is the turkey fryer. Turkey fryers use a substantial quantity of cooking oil at high temperatures, and many units currently available for use pose a significant tipping danger. The use of turkey fryers by consumers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries and the destruction of property.

The following safe cooking tips can help to make your holiday dinner safe and enjoyable:

• Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• Keep anything that can catch fire like potholders, towels or curtains away from your stovetop.
• Have a "kid-free zone" of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.
• Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is heated.
• Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when you're cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until it is completely cool.
• If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing. Call the fire department and don't forget to have the oven serviced before you use it again.

Source: NFPA

Fire Videos

Our web site also offers video of our apparatus in action as well as a video demonstrating the equipment worn by all our Paramedic/Firefighters. In addition, we also have an extensive photo gallery of the department in action.

Fire Department Photo Album

You will find get pictures of our department in action out on the streets of Delta Township or in the class room. Click here to to view all our photo albums!

Emergency Management

The Delta Township Emergency Management Division has been in operation since 1979. The fire chief holds the designation as a certified Professional Emergency Manager and serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the Township.                                          

Under Public Act 360, the State of Michigan has established a plan for local governments to operate with authority to act during emergencies and disasters. Delta Township has a very comprehensive plan that addresses all hazards natural, man-made, technological, hazardous materials incidents, and emergencies involving Weapons of Mass Destruction.

During any major township emergency or disaster, the Township's Emergency Operations Center is activated and people from many disciplines, including Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, Public Health, the American Red Cross, Damage Assessment, Utilities, Schools, Transportation, the Road Commission, Public Information, and Township executives assemble and follow the established plan. The public is alerted via the media (normally radio and television stations) and, during severe weather, via the public warning sirens located throughout the Township.

Delta Township, is in close contact with the State of Michigan Emergency Management Division, monitors, controls and mitigates every aspect of the emergency. Sometimes state and federal funds are received for citizens and/or businesses that qualify for disaster loans or assistance.

For a free family preparedness plan, please see the Emergency Management website here or www.do1thing

In 1952, due to the number of major fires that took place in the Millett section of Delta Township, a group of concerned citizens rallied together to raise funds through auctions, garage sales, and special projects to construct the volunteer fire station that was erected in 1953. John Love became the first fire chief.

In 1956, Delta Township built a fire station on the corner of Saginaw Hwy. and Canal Rd. and Dexter Rueckert became Delta Township's first full-time fire chief. The Millett fire station then became "Station No. 2" and its members became part of the Delta Township Fire Department. Several expansions took place through the years at Fire Station No. 1 and, in 1979, a new and larger Millett Fire Station was built on Old Lansing Rd. and continues to serve the residents of that area.

Realizing the need for a fire station on the east side of Delta Township due to a growing population, the Township built a new three-bay fire station with offices, living and sleeping quarters on Snow Rd. across from the Waverly High School in 1990. This full-time fire station houses an engine, two ambulances, a boat and several special response units.

In 2003, a new Central Fire Station was built just north of Fire Station No. 1 on Canal Rd. The old, original fire station was razed and today, the new Central Fire Station houses the department's administrative offices, fire prevention bureau, training facility, Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and living and sleeping quarters for full-time personnel. The new Central Fire Station is strategically located to ensure quick access to the I-96 freeway and to serve the hotel district, many apartment complexes and the senior citizen facilities on the west side of Delta Township. This full-time station houses the department's heavy rescue unit, a 100' aerial platform, two engines, two ambulances, a three-thousand-gallon tanker, an air/cascade truck, a boat, a brush truck, a special operations and hazardous material unit, foam trailer, and a light unit.

Currently, the fire department has six administrative staff, thirty two full-time firefighter/paramedics and eleven part-time firefighters.

To view the History Photo Album please click here or on any of the above photos.

Kid Friendly Sites

http://www.fema.gov/kids/index.htm

http://www.firesafety.gov/kids/flash.shtm

Risk Watch Make Time for Safety

http://www.nfpa.org/riskwatch/kids.html