Fire Department Staff

Last year, Spring Arbor Township's volunteer fire and rescue department responded to nearly 700 calls for help and expects as many this year. In its 57th year, these men and women provide fire and rescue service over approximately 355 square miles to a population of nearly 7,700. Located on the southwest side of Jackson County nestled in a rapidly growing college community, the 28 member force is on call "24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year," according to Fire Chief Tim McEldowney, the only full-time fire force member.

Other officers are as follows: Captains - John Bacon, Tim Woolworth, Chuck Ragain, Lieutenant-Scott Greenslade, Engineers - Tony Edwards and Jay Asbury and Chaplain - Douglas Blume.

Firefighters are Ben Asbury, Justin Burse, Jim Cox, Rick Gillespie, Chad Greenslade, Garry Lewis, Dennis Pohl, Bob Pohl, Brandt Prentice, Russ Ratkiewicz, Andy Ragain, John Rule, Ken Rule, Mike Schempf, Darla Wieand, and Jon Wierenga.

While officers receive a small stipend for their services, fire fighters are paid $10.50 for the first hour and $9.50 for every additional hour, per call; attend the 270+ hours of training gratis as well as volunteer many hours working on equipment, raising funds for the Firefighters Association, and offering safety and fire prevention to schools and other community groups.

Their dedication makes Spring Arbor a safe and better community in which to live and raise a family. One may even say we are 'home-grown' given the number of father-son volunteers." Currently there are four sets, not counting those whose fathers no longer serve.