For the past few years, the Oakland Township Board has been trying to ensure that Oakland Township has adequate Fire and Emergency Service personnel to meet the needs of the Township, and the Oakland County Medical Control Authorities response time guidelines.  The Township currently is not meeting those County guidelines. Earlier this year, the Board authorized the hiring of additional part time and paid on call firefighters to try and meet the County guidelines.  The majority of the Board was opposed to hiring any additional full time staff.  We are still not meeting the County guidelines.

At the December 11, 2018 Oakland Township Board meeting, the Township Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, and our Township Manager will be proposing hiring three full time fire fighters with advanced life support certification.  They also are asking the the Board to consider building a new fire station closer to the high density population area of our Township.

Given the Board’s past reluctance to support the hiring of additional full time staff, resident input could have a significant impact on the decision they make.  I would encourage as many citizens as possible (especially the seniors in our community) attend meeting and listen to the presentation of the Township Manager and Fire Chief.  There will be an opportunity for citizens to provide their input.

Here is an excerpt of their presentation:

The full presentation can be seen by clicking on the attached link:

Township Manager and Fire Chief proposal

The December 11th meeting time and location are:

Time:  7:00 PM

Location:  4393 Collins Road

Why this is important to the citizens of Oakland Township?  The level of Fire and Emergency personnel available to respond to emergency events can truly be a life saving decision.  We have empowered our elected officials to make that decision on our behalf.  The Township experts in this area are making recommendations that previously were not supported by the majority of our Township Board.  Your input may help them make an informed decision.

Richard Michalski