A Fireman's Prayer

When I am called to duty Whenever flames may rage give me strength to save some life Whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a child Before it is too late Or save an older person From the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert And hear the weakest shout And quickly and efficiently To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling And to give the best in me To guard my every neighbor And protect his property.

Columbia Township is located within the Irish Hills of Brooklyn Michigan, in the southeast corner of Jackson County. Columbia Township Fire Department is a paid-on-call department with one full time Fire Chief/Fire Inspector and one full time Assistant Fire Chief.

Columbia Township is 39.60 square miles of mixed industrial, urban, and rural interface areas which consist of the Township of Columbia, the Village of Brooklyn, three lakes (Clark Lake, Lake Columbia & Vineyard Lake), three highways (US-127, M-50 & M-124). Michigan International Speedway is in our backyard which hosts NASCAR races and the Faster Horses Musical Festival every year. During these events, our population in the Township increases dramatically.

We provide fire suppression operations, emergency medical care at the EMR level, water and ice rescue, hazardous materials response, vehicle extrication, and community fire education services. We are part of MI-MABAS, Division 3104 and could deploy anywhere in the state at a moment’s notice.

We offer community training programs for schools, churches, and day-care centers, as well as business, youth, and civic groups. These training programs include CPR, AED and first aid training, as well as fire safety/prevention programs.

Starting in 2005, we restructured our Firefighter Explorer Program and renamed it a Firefighter Cadet Program. The program is for teenagers, 16-18 years of age, that are interested in fire and EMS services. The program trains the cadets in the basics of firefighting, hazardous materials, CPR/AED, and emergency medical responders.

Persons wishing to join the fire department must be 18 years of age, have a clean driving record and criminal history, possess a high school diploma or GED, be of good moral standards, a willingness to serve the community and good work ethics.

Reflective Sign Order Form

To order a reflective sign, please stop at our Township office for a form and to make payment.

Features
Highly Visible

Reflective Material on Both Sides

Fade Resistant, Last for Years

Pre-Drilled Holes

Fire Department

Fire Chief and Fire Inspector

Scott Cota

Phone Number: (517) 592-8654

For Burn Permits Call (517) 592-8654

Links

Fire Stations

Fire Trucks

FAQ

Is burning restricted in Columbia Township?

Yes, burning is restricted by Columbia Township Ordinance #59

Is burning restricted in the Village of Brooklyn?

Yes, burning is restricted by Village of Brooklyn Ordinance #34

When can I burn?
Columbia Township Ordinance #59 and Village of Brooklyn Ordinance #34 restricts burning to take place between sunrise and sunset weather allowing. Contact the fire department for further details.

What type of materials can I burn?

Only household paper waste is allowed to be burned in the township. The burning of waste construction materials is prohibited.

Do I need a burning permit to burn?

Yes, anytime you wish to burn you must first contact the fire department and request a burning permit.

I live in the Village of Brooklyn, can I burn?

Burning in the Village of Brooklyn is restricted. No yard waste, leaves or brush may be burned in the Village. Burning permits are required.

Will I receive a ticket if I burn without a permit?

Yes, Columbia Township will issue a ticket if you burn without a permit.

Will I receive a bill for the services of the fire department?

Columbia Township bills for fire department responses to motor vehicle accidents, uncontrolled outside burning, nuisance & malicious fire alarms and aircraft accidents. Columbia Township does not bill for structure fire or emergency medical service responses.

How much training does it take to become a firefighter?

To become a firefighter for the Columbia Township Fire Department a candidate must successfully complete a 240 hour firefighter 1&2 course including a written & practical State of Michigan exam, 28 hour Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations course, 32 hour Incident Command course, 60 hour Medical First Responder course including National Registry exam and a 60 hour on the job training program (OJT). Once certified in all of these areas, continuing education drills are held twice a month to maintain the firefighter’s proficiency.