Mission Statement

The mission of the Powell Township Fire Department is to minimize the loss of life and property resulting from fires, medical emergencies, and other disasters.

We will accomplish our mission through prevention, education, fire suppression, medical emergencies, and other related emergency and non emergency activities. We will actively participate in our community, serve as role models, and strive to effectively utilize all of the necessary resources at our command to provide a product deemed excellent by our citizens.

Department Members are guided by the following principles:

  • People are the most valuable resource
  • We are accountable to those we serve
  • Pride, the pursuit of excellence, and commitment to public service is of paramount importance
  • Compassion, fairness, and integrity are maintained in all our endeavors
  • Through active leadership, we shall promote the use of quality principles, concepts, and technologies
  • Value to the community is measured in the type and quality of service

Fire Department News

The Powell Township Fire Department has Chimney brushes for the the community members to lease. No payment necessary and only a waiver with your contact information in case the brush is damaged or not returned. We want to encourage the community to regularly clean their chimneys to prevent any house fires. 

Fire & EMS Volunteer Picnic 

Keep checking back for more information regarding the 2023 picnic. 

Our Coverage Area

We cover over 162.3 square miles of Upper Michigan’s most pristine forests, several inland lakes and river systems, the Huron Mountains, and over 45miles of Lake Superior Shoreline. Due to our unique geographic location our fire department also covers areas of the adjoining Townships of Ishpeming, Champion, Marquette and Michigamme.

 

Fire Department Meetings are held every Last Thursday of the Month, 6pm at the Powell Township Fire/Ambulance Hall

The Public is welcome for the meeting! Please follow the buildings rules to maintain a safe and secure space

In Memory Of

Bill Dionne

In Memory Of

Albert Fortin or Patrick Touchinski

In Memory Of

Dave Moffitt

Remembering

Mike Thoma Fire Chief for 38 years

Recruitment

We are looking for a few good men and women to join the fire department to fill vacancies

Requirements

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must live in Powell Township
  • Must be a citizen of the United States of America
  • Must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Must hold a valid Michigan driver’s license
  • Must pass all background checks.
  • Must obtain Firefighter 1 & 2 State of Michigan certification within 2 years of hire.
  • Undergo an Oral Interview
  • Submit to a Criminal Background Check
  • Pass a Drug Screening
  • Pass a Medical Physical Exam

Things to understand about being a volunteer firefighter

  • This is a commitment you are making to your community to help others in times of emergency or need.
  • Emergency calls may come during inconvenient times of the day or night.
  • As luck has it, a call may happen right as your getting ready to eat a meal, go to bed, , leave for town, or have family time. So please talk with your significant other and family about any concerns they may have with you volunteering.
  • You should be of good moral character as others look up to firefighters as role models and leaders in their communities.
  • People you respond to help maybe very emotional and worked up, so being compassionate, empathetic, calm and collected under stress is critical. Not everyone has these abilities at the start but do not worry it can be learned and acquired with time and experience.
  • Patient Privacy is very important!
  • The calls you go on and the things you see on a call should be kept in the strictest of confidence as they maybe very personal to those that call upon you to help them.
  • Being a firefighter is being part of a team, so if your one that doesn’t play well with others this probably is not the path for you.
  • You will never get rich financially as a volunteer firefighter but there are so many other aspects of this job that can be life changing and rewarding.

Nondiscrimination

The Powell Township Fire Department fully supports and subscribes to the policy of equal opportunity in the hiring, treatment, and promotion of all its applicants and members.

Contact Information

Fire Chief: Christopher Sutter
P.O. Box 319
Big Bay, MI 49808

906-345-9400

Firechief@powelltownship.org