If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting the Chief of the Spring Arbor Fire Department, you would no doubt agree that he is a carefree, easy-going guy. If not, you should know that Chief Tim McEldowney is more than just a friendly face, he takes his position as Fire Chief very seriously.

 

Tim was born in Jackson County and graduated from East Jackson High School in 1982. Tim was President of Triple E manufacturing in Parma, a family-owned business, for twenty years.

 

He moved to Spring Arbor from Parma with his family in 1990. At the urging of his friend, the late Chief Dick Greenslade, Tim joined the fire department and trained in 1990 and 1991. Through the years he worked hard and gained the title of Safety Officer and became Spring Arbor Fire Chief on July 1, 2004.

 

He enjoys meeting people in the township and is compelled to serve his community. As Spring Arbor Township grows, Tim will continue to step up to the challenge of balancing the need for increased fire protection and maintaining the current volunteer status.

Last year, Spring Arbor Township's volunteer fire and rescue department responded to 641 calls for help and expects as many this year. In its 59th 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. .

 

Other officers are as follows: Assistant Chief- Scott Greenslade, Captains - John Bacon, Tim Woolworth, Chuck Ragain, Lieutenant-Chad Greenslade, Firefighters are Garry Lewis, Dennis Pohl, Bob Pohl, Brandt Prentice, Russ Ratkiewicz, Andy Ragain, Ken Rule, Darla Wieand, Jim Videto, Ben Parker, Dave Jones, Mike Conrad, Tom Kik, Josh Walz, Eric Trader, JJ ASbury, Sue Adams ,BJ Buckland, TY Buckland, Justin Davis, and Dave Vanriper. 

 

While officers receive a small stipend for their services, fire fighters are paid $13.00 an hour, 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.