GENERAL OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Thursday
9:00-5:00

Phone: 616-696-1718
Fax: 616-696-3970

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Fire Department

Solon Township Fire Department
2305 19 Mile Rd
Cedar Springs, MI 49319
 

You can contact our Fire Chief, Joyce Vandermey, regarding a burn permit by phone at 696-0020 or fax at 696-1709.

Fire Department Forms:

• Annual Burning Registration Form
• Rules and Procedures for Outdoor Burning in the Township

Mission Statement
To protect lives, property and the environment,
 with courage, dedication and excellent service.

The Solon Township Fire Department started at Lawrence Cooper’s place when lightning set the stump fence on fire.  Andy Dauchy and Larry were the only ones at the fire, and Andy wanted to start a Fire Department.  The Fire Department was started in August 1952 with Andy as Fire Chief and Norm Myers as his assistant.  There were twenty volunteer firemen.  The men were divided into quarters with five men for each quarter of the township. 

The first fire truck was a 1928 La France which was bought from Wyoming for $300.  A water truck was bought from Myron McConnell, December 10, 1956 and Carl Stout gave the department an old used gas truck for use as a tank truck. 

The first Fire Barn was right on the corner of 19 Mile and Algoma, and cost $500 with $250 down.  Dances at the Chicken Coop financed the purchase of equipment.  Final payment on the Fire Barn was made May 5, 1960.  The new Fire Barn was started in 1968 and the firemen donated all the labor.  An additional stall was added in 1974 and the present Township Hall was built over it in 1976. 

The current Fire Department is made up of twenty seven hard working, dedicated men and women who are lead by interim Chief Joyce VanderMey, Deputy Chief Rick Vargo, and Captain Rich Hays.  The department has twelve firefighter/emergency medical responders, five firefighters, one emergency medical responder, two tanker drivers, and six reserves (firefighter or paramedic in training).  Also serving as department Chaplain, is Pastor Doug DiBell, of Solon Center Wesleyan Church. 

Fire fighting requires skill in preventing, combating, and extinguishing fires; answering emergency calls; and operating and maintaining fire department equipment, apparatus, and quarters.  The work involves extensive training in fire fighting, rescue activities, hazardous materials, and emergency medical care.  Firefighters must operate apparatus and perform dangerous assignments under emergency conditions, all of which require strenuous exertion amid hazards such as smoke and cramped surroundings.  Although fire fighting and rescue work are the most demanding tasks, a significant portion of time is spent on training, inspections, and station duties. 

Emergency medical responders – First Responders are often the first to arrive at a scene.  Many firefighters are certified as First Responders.  Their training emphasizes how to activate the Emergency Medical Services and provide immediate care for life-threatening injuries and illnesses, control a scene, and prepare for the arrival of an ambulance.