Mecosta Township Fire & Rescue

05/30/2026

NO OPEN BURNING TODAY 5/30/2026

A Special Weather Statement has been issued by the National Weather Service - Grand Rapids Office detailing Elevated Fire Danger for central lower Michigan. The MI DNR is not issuing any open burning permits at this time. Before burning, please check the MI DNR Burn Management System to check on the open burning status at: https://www.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits/

05/25/2026

🔴⚪🔵 Memorial Day 🔴⚪🔵

Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start of summer. Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.

Today, we reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of those who were willing to give everything in defense of our nation. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication will never be forgotten.

We give thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we honor the families and loved ones who continue to carry their memory forward.

From all of us at the Mecosta Township Fire Department, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/17/2026

🚑❤️ National EMS Week ❤️🚑

Today marks the beginning of National EMS Week — a time dedicated to recognizing the Paramedics, EMTs, MFR/EMRs, and other EMS professionals who answer the call day and night to provide emergency medical care to our communities.

EMS personnel are often there during some of life’s most critical moments. They provide emergency medical care, reassurance, and support to patients and families during times of illness, injury, and crisis. Their professionalism, compassion, and dedication play a vital role in the safety and well-being of our communities.

The Mecosta Township Fire Department would especially like to recognize and thank our direct EMS partner, Mecosta County EMS, along with all EMS professionals serving throughout our region. We are proud to work alongside you.

EMS is also deeply rooted within our own department. Fourteen of our personnel are currently employed, either full-time or part-time, or have retired from various EMS agencies. Their medical knowledge, experience, and dedication play a major role in the services we provide to our residents and visitors each day.

To all EMS professionals — thank you for your continued service, sacrifice, and commitment to caring for others. Your work does not go unnoticed.

Happy National EMS Week!

05/17/2026

🎉 Congratulations and Best Wishes! 🎉

The Mecosta Township Fire Department would like to congratulate Meceola Consolidated Central Dispatch Authority 911 Supervisor Theresa Vanatta on her retirement after nearly 22 years of service.

Thank you for your years of dedication to public safety and for the support provided to first responders and the communities throughout Mecosta and Osceola Counties over the years.

We wish Theresa nothing but the best in her well-deserved retirement. Congratulations!

Today, we celebrate the retirement of 911 Supervisor Theresa Vanatta after nearly 22 incredible years of service.
Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to keeping our first responders & citizens safe in our communities.
Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!

05/15/2026

🚔👮 National Peace Officers Memorial Day 👮🚔

Today, May 15th, is recognized as National Peace Officers Memorial Day — a day established in 1962 to honor and remember law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty while serving and protecting their communities and our nation. In recognition of the day, flags across the United States are flown at half-staff.

Today, we remember the sacrifices made by fallen officers and recognize the continued dedication of those who continue to serve.

The Mecosta Township Fire Department would also like to recognize and thank our local law enforcement partners, including the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, Michigan DNR Conservation Officers, Ferris State University Department of Public Safety, and the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety. We appreciate the work, professionalism, and services these agencies provide to our communities each and every day.

Thank you to all law enforcement officers for your service and sacrifice.

05/15/2026

🏍️ INFORMATIONAL NOTICE 🏍️ BLESSING OF THE BIKES WEEKEND 🏍️

Starting today and continuing throughout the weekend, residents and visitors can expect to see a significant increase in motorcycle traffic throughout the area due to the Blessing of the Bikes taking place in Baldwin.

Many riders and groups traveling to and from the event utilize US-131, Northland Dr., 8 Mile/M-20, and other surrounding roadways. Increased motorcycle traffic is expected throughout the afternoon and evening hours and will continue throughout the weekend.

We encourage everyone to remain aware and use a little extra caution while traveling. Please stay alert for motorcycles, especially at intersections and while turning.

We hope everyone enjoys the weekend and stays safe!

Send a message to learn more

05/13/2026

🚒🎓🔥📜Congratulations to Our Newest State Certified Firefighters! 📜🔥🎓🚒

Please join us in congratulating David Hunt, Jacob Spring, and Josh Gilliam on successfully completing the Mecosta County Fire Academy and becoming State of Michigan Certified Firefighter I & II personnel.

Since October, David, Jacob, and Josh have dedicated themselves to the academy by attending night classes every Monday and Thursday, along with occasional all-day Saturday sessions. In total, each member completed over 240 hours of training to become eligible for state testing.

The certification process included both a 200-question written examination and a multi-station practical skills evaluation. By successfully completing both portions, they have officially earned their State of Michigan Firefighter I & II certifications.

We are proud of their hard work, dedication, and determination throughout the academy process and look forward to watching their continued growth as firefighters, first responders, and members of our department.

Congratulations David, Jacob, and Josh!

05/01/2026

🔥🥎 IT’S BACK! 🥎🔥

The 2nd Annual Mecosta Township Firefighters Association Softball Tournament is officially on the calendar — and it’s time to start building your teams!

📅 Saturday, August 15th
📍 Buffalo Park – Stanwood, MI
⏰ Start Time: TBD

💵 $250 per team

👮‍♂️🚒🚑 Team Info:
Teams must represent a First Responder Agency (Fire/Rescue, EMS, Law, Dispatch)…
BUT players do NOT have to be first responders — so recruit your ringers now! 👀

📝 Registration opens June 1st
🛑 Registration closes July 17th

💥 More details coming soon!
🤝 Sponsorship opportunities available this year — stay tuned!

🔥 Mark your calendars. Build your teams. Start talking trash. 🔥
Let’s make year two even bigger and better!

04/30/2026

🚧🏗️ 🦺 Road Construction Notice – Upcoming Traffic Impacts 🏗️ 🦺🚧

Residents and visitors should be aware of two upcoming road construction projects that will affect traffic in and around Mecosta Township.

⚠️ Northland Drive Closure ⚠️
Beginning Monday, May 4th, Northland Drive will be closed to all traffic between 13 Mile Rd and Arthur Rd. This closure is expected to remain in place through June 11th. The posted detour will direct traffic to use US 131 between 8 Mile Rd and Perry Ave. (See attached image for reference.)

🚧 US 131 Southbound Resurfacing Project 🚧
Also starting Monday, May 4th, MDOT will begin a resurfacing project on US 131 southbound between 13 Mile Rd (mile marker 137) and 6 Mile Rd (mile marker 129). Work will include resurfacing of the southbound lanes, guardrail repairs, and improvements to the on and off ramps at the Big Rapids Rest Area and the M-20 (8 Mile Rd) interchange. This project is expected to be completed in early July 2026.

Due to these projects, increased traffic is expected at the intersection of 8 Mile Rd and Northland Dr, along 8 Mile Rd between Northland Dr and the US 131 interchange, and along US 131 between 8 Mile Rd and Perry Ave.

When traveling through construction zones, please follow all posted signage and reduced speed limits. Work zone violations in Michigan carry increased fines and penalties.

Slow down, remain alert, and allow additional space between vehicles to help keep workers and other drivers safe.

04/27/2026

Today, members of Mecosta Township Fire & Rescue joined Morley Area Fire and Rescue at Morley Stanwood High School to promote the Mecosta-Osceola Career Center (MOCC) Fire Academy.

The MOCC Fire Academy provides students with the opportunity to complete Firefighter I and II training and test for a State of Michigan certification while still in high school. Programs like this play a critical role in supporting our local fire departments by preparing the next generation of firefighters and strengthening our volunteer and paid-on-call ranks.

This opportunity is available to any student who will be a Junior or Senior during the 2026–2027 school year from schools within the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District, including Morley Stanwood, Big Rapids, Chippewa Hills, Crossroads Charter Academy, Evart, and Reed City.

Participation in this program not only helps support local emergency services but also provides a direct pathway into the fire service, whether that be volunteering locally or pursuing full-time employment after graduation.

If you have any interest in the fire service, we encourage you to speak with your school counselor about enrolling.

Enrollment for the MOCC Fire Academy closes this Friday, May 1st. Don’t miss your opportunity to get started.