Fire Dept | Howardtwpmi

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Fire Chief: Chris Corzine

Assistant Fire Chief: Chris Korp

Captain: Tim Phillips

Lieutenant Chad Bundy

Howard Township Fire Department
2690 Lake Shore Drive, Niles, MI 49120
Non-emergency telephone: (269)215-0094

Howard Township Fire Department was established in 1948. The residents of this newly established Township recognized the need to protect themselves and their neighbors’ lives and property from the devastating effects of fire. Starting out with one makeshift fire engine with a basic water pump and minimal hose and tools, Howard Township Firefighters were born and were committed from day one to protecting life and property.

Over the years this department has evolved, always striving to improve our skills and adding equipment to help make Howard Township safer. Today we have two frontline pumper tankers and a frontline rescue engine, two grass firefighting trucks, one EMS/utility pickup truck, a 14’ aluminum rescue boat, an inflatable watercraft for use in cold water/ice rescue, and a utility trailer for HAZMAT special rescue response and storage. Our firefighters are all certified to Michigan Firefighter II with HAZMAT Operations. Some of our firefighters are EMTs and staff the Howard Township Medical First Response Unit, this group is a BLS non-transport service that runs all EMS calls in Howard Township in coordination with the ambulance service. In addition to responding to fires, EMS calls, and other hazards, we are also trained and ready to provide vehicle rescue, ice and water rescue, and hazardous materials response in coordination with county and regional HAZMAT units.

Your Howard Township firefighters started out as all volunteer, meaning they received no monetary compensation for their efforts. In 2005, the firefighters started to receive compensation through a point-based system. Each emergency call, training, and special function the firefighter attends, they receive points for those activities and the points are converted into a dollar amount that the firefighters receive every month. Although firefighters now receive this compensation for their firefighting efforts, the volunteer spirit has remained, and these committed men and women regularly go above and beyond their pay scale to ensure the safety of the residents.

The Howard Township Fire Department also offers the opportunity for community members to be involved and help with our Associate Support Member program and Associate Support Member EMT program. These positions are non-firefighting positions that allow someone to assist the fire department in their own capacity. Depending on the individual, these are tasks such as traffic control, coordinating firefighter rehab units on an emergency scene, helping with emergency scene safety, and even some hands-on assistance at fire scenes according to each person’s abilities and interest. These individuals can also help with our community functions and fundraising events. Licensed EMTs that live in the area and who do not necessarily want to be firefighters are encouraged to join our department as an Associate Support Member EMT. This person would respond to our medical calls in an EMS capacity only and would have the opportunity to be involved and help with other departmental functions as well.

We also offer a Cadet Firefighter program which allows persons 16-18 years old who have an interest in emergency services to help their community while exploring this opportunity.

Howard Township Fire Department needs ALL community members working together to support the common goal of making Howard Township as safe as it can be!

If you or someone you know has the desire to help your community and keep it safe, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us by:

Calling the fire station directly at 269-215-0094 and leave a message
Go to the Fire Department tab on this website and download a Firefighter or Associate Support Member application
Contact the Howard Charter Township business office at (269)684-0072
Message us on Facebook Howard Firefighters
Contact the Fire Chief directly by email firechief@howardtwp.org