Please join us in welcoming Firefighter Caleb Light to Grand Traverse Metro Emergency Services Authority! Caleb joins GTMESA as a part-time firefighter, bringing more than six years of fire and EMS experience. He currently serves as an EMT with Mobile Medical Response and previously worked as a full-time firefighter/EMT with Pea Ridge Fire Department in Arkansas. He holds Firefighter I & II and EMT certifications and is continuing his professional development through paramedic education. His experience, commitment to training, and service-minded approach make him an outstanding addition to our part-time team. Welcome to GTMESA, Caleb! Over the past several weeks, we've shared what it looks like to become part of the GTMESA family. Everything from firefighter orientation and hands-on training to welcoming new full-time firefighters as they began their careers. If those posts resonated with you, this is your opportunity to become part of the team. 🚨 Our final Part-Time Firefighter Orientation for 2026 begins Thursday, August 13. To be eligible, applicants must possess: 🔥 Firefighter I & II 🔥 Hazardous Materials Operations Part-time firefighters are expected to work a minimum of 24 hours per week, with a preferred schedule averaging 36 hours per week (48 hours one week and 24 hours the next). If you're looking for a part-time opportunity to continue growing your skills, serve alongside dedicated professionals, and make a meaningful impact in our communities, we'd love to hear from you. Every person we hire helps shape our culture. That's why we're not looking for just anyone. We're looking for part-time firefighters who want to invest in their teammates, serve our communities with pride, and help build the future of GTMESA. This is the final part-time firefighter orientation scheduled for 2026. If you're ready to become part of something bigger than yourself, we'd love to hear from you. Apply online today.
Welcome Firefighter Zach Manneback to the GTMESA family! Some first days are spent getting settled. Others begin on the water during one of the busiest weekends of the year. Today marks Zach’s first 48-hour tour with Grand Traverse Metro Emergency Services Authority on Green Shift, and he’s jumping right into the action. With the 100th National Cherry Festival underway and the air show bringing thousands of visitors to our community, our crews have been temporarily assigned to the boat launch to provide immediate response capabilities if needed. At GTMESA, we pride ourselves on being an all-hazards fire department. Whether it’s fire suppression, EMS, technical rescue, hazardous materials, or marine operations, our team is prepared to respond wherever we’re needed. For Zach, that mission started on Day One. We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to watching him continue to learn, grow, and serve alongside the outstanding firefighters of GTMESA. Please join us in welcoming Firefighter Zach to the team!
Please join us in welcoming Firefighter Dillan Romstadt as he begins his first day with Grand Traverse Metro Emergency Services Authority! Today marks the beginning of Dillan's career with GTMESA as he joins Red Shift. Like every firefighter, his first day is filled with introductions, learning new equipment, getting to know his crew, and beginning the process of becoming part of the team. Dillan brings a diverse public safety background, including service as a firefighter with Alpena Township Fire Department, an EMT with Oscoda County EMS, and an auxiliary firefighter with Alpena City Fire Department. Prior to entering the fire service, he served honorably in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed the discipline, resilience, and commitment to teamwork that continue to serve him well today. He also has experience in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff. Dillan holds Firefighter I & II, Hazardous Materials Operations, EMT, and Basic Life Support certifications. These photos capture just a few early moments from Day One. From meeting the apparatus he'll help care for, to learning alongside experienced members of Red Shift, to settling into life at the station. Every firefighter's career tells a story, and we're excited to be part of Dillan's journey. Welcome to the GTMESA team, Dillan! We look forward to watching your career grow as you serve the residents and visitors of our communities.
We have some exciting news! Chief Mackin, AC Posey, Capt. Meek (Fleet Maintenance), and Lt. Clute (Apparatus Committee) traveled to Appleton, WI to complete the acceptance testing and final inspection on our new Pierce Ascendant 107’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder at the Pierce facility. This truck is replacing a 2007 Pierce Arrow XT 75’ aerial ladder, which will be retired. We are thankful to the Metro Fire Board and the citizens of our three townships for their support and engagement in bringing this much needed piece of apparatus to life. This new apparatus will serve our community well for years to come. The new Truck 1 will arrive at our department in mid-July and should be in service by the end of the month.
Please join us in welcoming Firefighter Nick Allen on his first day as a full-time firefighter with Grand Traverse Metro Emergency Services Authority! Many of you already know Nick through his service as a part-time firefighter with GTMESA. Today, he officially begins his career as a full-time firefighter on Blue Shift. Prior to entering the fire service, Nick built a successful career in advertising and creative leadership, managing teams and complex projects in fast-paced environments. He later pursued his passion for public service, earning his EMT-B license along with Firefighter I & II and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications through the Northwest Regional Fire Training Center, where he was selected by his peers as class leader. These photos were captured as Nick was heading out on one of his first calls as a full-time firefighter. A fitting start to this exciting new chapter, is it not? Congratulations, Nick! We are proud to have you on the GTMESA team and look forward to the contributions you'll make as you continue serving our communities. Welcome to Blue Shift!
Hot weather can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Stay safe by: 💧Drinking plenty of water 🧢 Wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing 🌳 Taking breaks in the shade or air conditioning 🚶 Limiting strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) 👵 Checking on older adults, young children, and neighbors 🚗 Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. ⚠️ If someone becomes confused, faints, or has a high body temperature, call 911 immediately—it could be heat stroke. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe!
Do you have this smoke alarm in your home? 🚨 Treatlife Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms, sold exclusively on Amazon, have been recalled because they may fail to alert you to a fire. If you purchased one between November 2025 and April 2026, check the back for the FCC ID “2ANDL-XR3” and manufacture date “2023.DEC.02”. If you have one, replace it as soon as possible and contact the manufacturer for a refund, and see the full details in the comments section below. Working smoke alarms save lives — test your alarms monthly and make sure your home is protected. 🔥🏠 #gtmetro #homesafety #smokealarmrecall
