CPR Programs

Chiefs

Fire Chiefs of Royal Oak

Name	Service Date
William Sullivan	1908 - 4/3/1912
William J. Folland	4/3/1912 - 2/10/1913
J. Frank Codling	2/10/1913 - 6/1/1924
Martin Bishop	6/1/1924 - 11/1/1928
Charles Henning	11/1/1928 - 6/13/1954
Clyde Wray	6/13/1954 - winter 1958
Wilfred Speas	8/13/1959 - 10/3 t/1972
Clayton Nicholes	11/3/1972 - 3/1/1976
Ronald Nancarrow	3/1/1976 - 5/31/1983
William Crouch	6/1/1983 - 5/31/1996
Donald Stanford	5/31/1996 - 11/12/1999
Richard Strehlke	1/26/2000 - 11/01/2005
Wil White	11/14/2005 - 6/4/2010
Patrick Mulligan	10/13/2010 - 6/24/2011
Chuck Thomas	Current Chief

Last Updated on 7/25/2011

EMS & ALS

Emergency Medical Service and Advanced Life Support

The Royal Oak Fire Department has been providing Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Services since 1995. Before this date we provided Basic Life Support. Our Firefighters are cross-trained as Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians. We respond to approximately 3,800 medical alarms each year. Our average response time anywhere in the city is four minutes. Our Paramedics have specialized training in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatrics Advanced Life Support and Prehospital Trauma Life Support. Our Staff offers American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation training to our city staff and citizens.

Each one of our three Fire Stations responds to medical emergencies with a minimum of one Advanced Life support ambulance and one engine staffed with Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians. This response allows us to meet the needs of our patients no matter how critical the emergency is. Our firefighters have extrication tools and training that allows us remove victims from entrapment in vehicular and commercial accidents.

On November 1st, 2000, The Royal Oak Fire Department hosted a Disaster Drill with Dondero High School and Wm. Beaumont Hospital. Ten Fire Departments and one Ambulance Company responded to our simulated call for disaster assistance. We triaged and transported ninety patients and simulated sixty more to other area hospitals. In today’s troubled times we must be prepared to mitigate any disaster whether natural or man made.

 

 

File of Life

The City of Royal Oak Fire Department in partnership with Meijer is offering the File of Life folders to place on your refrigerator in case of a medical emergency where the resident is unable to communicate with emergency personnel. The folders are free to residents of Royal Oak.

The File of Life folder has a magnet with a pouch that will hold important medical information such as medical history, current medications and insurance information that can assist Fire, EMS or Police personnel who respond to the address of a medical emergency where the caller is unable to communicate with first responders.

Having the File of Life available to paramedics and first responders will save time and assist the emergency personnel with patient care. The File of Life folders can be picked up at Royal Oak Fire Station # 1 at 215 E. 6th Street.

Fire Chief
City of Royal Oak

• Medical Packet Aids Quick Emergency Care For Seniors
  File of Life News Article - January 11, 2009

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Fire Prevention

Juvenile Fire-setter Program
The Royal Oak Fire Department offers free counseling to Royal Oak families with a juvenile fire-setter. A juvenile fire-setter could be any child or teenager who has been involved playing with matches or lighters, starting a fire, or has an interest in fire. We also offer a program presented by the University of Michigan Burn Center called "Straight Talk". If you are concerned call the Fire Prevention Bureau at (248) 246-3810.

In Home Fire Inspections
The Fire Prevention Bureau offers in home fire safety inspections. We will instruct the homeowner on proper placement of smoke detectors, the importance of a fire escape plan, and point out unsafe conditions in the house. Contact the Royal Oak Fire Prevention Bureau at (248) 246-3810 for an appointment.

Fire Extinguisher Training
The Fire Prevention Bureau will provide hands on training of proper use of fire extinguishers to small groups (10-15 individuals) and to businesses and their employees. Call (248) 246-3810 for more information.

Fire Safety Literature
The Fire Department provides handouts for fire safety to Royal Oak citizens and their children. Information on smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, exit drills from the home, coloring books, fire helmets, and fire safety stickers for the kids. Please stop by Station # 1 (Sixth and Troy) for information.

Fire Safety Education
The Fire prevention Bureau offers talks to individuals and groups (PTA, Neighborhood Associations, Schools, and Businesses) on fire safety in the home or workplace. We cover importance and placement of Smoke Detectors, Escape plans from your home or business if a fire should occur, what to do if you should have a Cooking Fire, and how to keep your home or business Fire Safe. Need Information? Call (248) 246-3810.

Fire Safety

 

The department sponsors ongoing Fire Safety Education Presentations. If someone would like to schedule a presentation for their business or organization, call the Fire Marshall or Fire Inspector at: 246-3810.

Fire Safety Tips - What every household should know.

• Install Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors / Alarms
• Plan a Fire Drill and Escape Routes
• Practice the "Stop, Drop & Roll" Method
• Post Emergency Numbers Near Telephones and Dial "911"
• Cool a Burn
• Careless Smoking
• Electrical Hazards
• Space Heaters
• Cooking Safety
• Storage of Combustibles

 

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Install Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors / Alarms

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide DETECTORS can alert you to danger in your home in time for you to escape, even if you are sleeping. To wake up and survive a nighttime fire, you must have working detectors!

You should install detectors in the following areas:

• Detectors outside each sleeping area (a common hallway, for example).
• Detectors on each level of your home if more than one story. (including the basement).
• An additional detector in each bedroom, as you should sleep with your door closed.

Placement of detectors is very important. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use these guidelines to help you.

• Mount on the ceiling at least six inches from the wall or on a wall between six and twelve inches from the ceiling, but keep detectors about six inches away from the corner where the ceiling and wall meet (the corner is a "dead air space" where the detector won't be in the path of smoke travel).
• For high pitched or "cathedral" ceilings, mount the detectors three feet from the highest point.
• Avoid placement in the path of ceiling fans, air conditioning or heater vents.
• Make certain smoke detectors are UL listed.
• Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
• When replacing smoke detectors, replace them with a lithium battery smoke detector.
  (a lithium battery will last the life of the detector.)

Test detectors once a month, following the manufacturer's directions, and replace batteries once a year, or whenever a detector "chirps" or "beeps" to signal low battery power. A good time to replace your smoke detector batteries is when you reset your clocks for daylight savings time. Never "borrow" a detector's battery for another use - a disabled detector can't save your life.

Make sure children know what an alarm is. Children must know:

• Alarms warn them of danger.
• Get out of the house immediately when they hear the sound of the alarm.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors are not toys and should not be played with.

Show your child how important these dangers are by testing your alarms every month.

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Plan a Fire Drill and Escape Routes  

Prepare for a fire emergency by sitting down with your family and agreeing on an escape plan. A well prepared escape plan helps to avoid panic and may save your lives.

• Review and determine at least two unobstructed exits from every room in your house. Doors should be your primary exit and windows your next choice.
• Have each person practice opening doors and windows. Show children how to open door and window locks.
• Decide on a meeting place outside where everyone will meet, such as a neighbor's porch, tree or lamppost.

 

Practice makes Perfect

Practice your fire drill and escape routes

• Have everyone lie in bed and wait for the drill.
• Begin the drill by pressing the smoke detector test button. For more realism, continue to sound the alarm until everyone is outside.
• Practice yelling "Fire!" to help alert others in the home.
• Roll out of bed and stay low to the floor.
• Each person should crawl to your primary exit of that room. If it is blocked by smoke or fire, use your other designated exit.
• Feel any closed door with the back of your hand before opening it. If it is hot, do not open it, use your other exit.
• Make sure everyone goes to the meeting place.
• Assign someone at the meeting place to be the one to go to a neighbor's home to call 911.
• Never go back into a burning building! Get out, Stay out, and Stay alive!

 

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Practice the "Stop, Drop & Roll" Method

If your clothes catch on fire, don't run. Instead, stop where you are, drop to the ground, and roll over and over with your hands covering your face.

 

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Post Emergency Numbers Near Telephones. Dial "911".

Be aware that if a fire threatens your home, you should not place the call to emergency services from inside the home. It is better to get out and place the call to fire authorities from a safe location outside the home.

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Cool a Burn.

If someone gets burned, immediately run cool water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes. Never put butter or grease on a burn. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, seek medical assistance immediately.

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Careless Smoking.

• Do not smoke in bed or when drowsy.
• Make sure to extinguish matches and cigarette butts.
• Never rest a burning cigarette on the edge of a counter or table, where it could be forgotten and cause a fire.
• Do not flick cigarette butts into dry grass or leaves in the yard.

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Electrical Hazards.

• Do not touch electrical devices when your hands are wet or when standing in water.
• If you feel a "zap" when touching an appliance, unplug it immediately and have it repaired.
• Replace any electrical cords that are cracked or frayed.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords and do not run extension cords under rugs.
• Do not mess with your fusebox or use improper sized fuses.
• Electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician and the work should meet local building codes and be inspected by local building officials.
• Keep halogen lights away from any flammable material and low ceiling areas. Do not leave halogen lights on when you leave your home.

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Space Heaters.

• Some space heaters are required to be plugged into its own electrical circuit.
• Do not use an extension cord when plugging it in.
• Provide adequate spacing around the heater, at least three feet from anything that can burn, including the wall.
• Keep children and pets away from heaters, and never leave heaters on when you are not at home or go to bed.
• Make certain heaters are UL listed.

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Cooking Safety.

• Practice safe cooking and never leave your cooking unattended.
• Always turn pot handles so children can't reach them or pull them over.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy and available.
• If grease catches fire, smother it first with a lid, or use baking soda to smother the flames. Turn off the burner if you can, and NEVER use water to put out a grease fire.
• Keep dish towels away from the stove top and watch loose fitting garments from catching on fire, especially the sleeves.

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Storage of Combustibles.

• Gasoline and other flammables should be stored in tight metal containers outside of the home.
• Never store gasoline or other flammables in your basement.
• Do not use flammable liquids near any open flame or sparks.
• Never use gasoline on a barbecue.
• Sort and remove newspapers and rubbish from furnace or heater area.

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Fire Stations

Fire Station #1: (On the Corner of Sixth Street and Troy Street)
215 E Sixth Street (See a map)
Royal Oak MI 48067
Ph. (248)246-3800

 

Fire Station #2: (On the NE corner of Woodward Ave and Thirteen Mile Rd)
31000 Woodward (See a map)
Royal Oak MI 48073
Ph. (248)246-3840

 

Fire Station #3: (On Rochester Rd, South of Thirteen Mile)
3128 Rochester Rd (See a map)
Royal Oak MI 48073
Ph. (248) 246-3830

General Services

Services provided by your Fire department by calling: 911

• Fire Suppression: call for any fire, large or small.  all types  The fire department will check the CO levels in your home.
• Advanced medical life support and ambulance transport.
• Rescues: All types.
• Carbon Monoxide Monitoring: If your CO detector activates, leave the house and call 911.
• Wires Down: Call 911 if you see wires down, then stay inside or away from the wires. The Fire Department will secure the area and take the necessary steps to make the area safe until the utility company can make the repair. 
• Odor Investigation: If you notice an unusual odor call 911 and the Fire Department will check for the source of the smell. If you think the smell is natural gas, leave your house immediately, do not turn lights off or on, do not use the phone. Call 911 from a neighbor and wait for the Fire Department to arrive.

Services provided by your Fire Department by calling: 248-246-3800

• Injury prevention program for seniors: 248-246-3803 or 248-246-3804. This program is geared toward seniors. Firefighters inspect the residence and educate the senior on fire and injury prevention. Provided at no cost for those in need are fire and injury prevention items such as smoke detectors, grab rails, non-slip bath mats, raised toilet seats, and shower chairs just to name a few. These items have been made available through a grant from Meijer and Blue Cress Blue Shield. 
• Tours: Tours can be arranged for families or individuals; 248-246-3800.
• Blood Pressure Check: The Fire Department offers free blood pressure checks at any of the city fire stations. The hours for these checks are from 9am - 5pm, Monday through Saturday. The locations of our stations are:
  • Station #1 - 215 E. Sixth Street (5 streets south of 11 mile and 1 block e. of Main Street.)
  • Station #3 - 3128 Rochester road (1 block S. of 13 mile).
  • Station #2 - 31000 Woodward (NE corner of 13 mile and Woodward).

History

History of the Royal Oak Fire Department

 

The first Royal Oak fire department was organized in William Sullivan's home in 1908. Sullivan was elected fire chief; Harry Anderson, Secretary; and William J. Folland president. Other members included Robert McClure, Ralph Bourgeois, William A. Wheeler, Mark and Lee Halsey, Roy Gass, Freeman Robbins, Edward Roy and Edward W. Joyce. With Arthur L. Lawson ringing the St. Mary church bell whenever a fire broke out, this organization safeguarded the village until the Royal Oak Volunteer Fire Department was organized.

In 1912, the village experienced a disastrous fire which threatened to destroy the business district south of Third Street. Everything was burned from Mrs. Lochbihler's to Codling's. It was a bitter cold night and a strong wind prevailed. Sparks were carried so far that other parts of the village were threatened. The Masonic Temple caught fire in several places. Help was summoned from Detroit but before it arrived the fire was under control through the valiant efforts of the volunteer group. As a result of the fire, merchants got together and formalized the Volunteer Department on February 13, 1913. Membership increased to include Roy Wing, James Allen, William West, Carlos Marshall, Delbert Geyer, Homer Ebling, George J. Scott, Julius Robar, J. Frank Codling, and Harry A. Brace. William Folland was appointed Chief on April 3, 1912. The early meetings were held in the old town hall on the northwest comer of Main and Fourth Streets. Upon the sale of this building, member's homes were used for a time. Peter Sorenson had a blacksmith shop, on the northwest corner of Fifth and Main, it housed the firefighting equipment consisting of one 20 gallon chemical truck-man drawn. The fire chief, William J. Folland, was also police chief, superintendent of water, and street commissioner, all for the salary of $50.00 per month.

Later a ladder truck was purchased. By 1915 the group had grown discontented with the quarters and on October 12, 1915 voted unanimously to give the council a mandate in which to furnish suitable accommodations. If the council did not comply, the group would disband. At the invitation of Mr. Frank J. Hoffman, president, and councilman, a meeting with the volunteers at the blacksmith shop was scheduled. The story of the meeting as told by William J. Folland, "We were ready for them. I removed all of the tables from the club room and tossed all of the horse hoof cuttings that I could find in the fire. Meanwhile the other boys borrowed a half dozen nail kegs. We volunteers were very polite. We all perched on the ladder truck, while the committee got the preferred nail keg seats". He continued, "I'll give president Hoffman credit. He stayed through the meeting, seated calmly on the nail kegs. We boys could hardly stand the stench, but each stuck it out like we were used to it. The result of the meeting was an agreement to build a new fire hall." He further related how the hall, located on the east side of Main Street, north of Sixth, was built, furnished and used. "Two months later, Fire Hall #1, at a cost of $1,700.00, was completed. I have often been asked how it was put up at that price. The volunteers did a lot of the work. I took my street gang off the streets several half days and put the boys on the building. The council paid for the building, but we furnished it with our own funds. We had lots of money those days". "Those whose homes we saved usually presented us with some cash, and the council was fairly liberal in its contributions. Our treasury was further augmented by the fines of the members. It cost twenty five cents to miss a meeting. Fines for not addressing the chair ranged from ten cents to one dollar. During heated discussions the treasury might be increased by $10.00. The furnishings were high class. The table behind which the president presided in recent years is now used by the City Commission."

Many of the wives in the old days, then young brides, recalled hubby's excuse when he wanted an evening out. "I've got practice with the volunteers." Mother Folland knew the right answer when one of the wives called up, "I think he's down at the fire hall". "That excuse covered up a lot of evenings out when the boys never showed up at the hall." Chief Folland chuckled when some time ago he recalled the good old days of the volunteers.

Sometime later the village council purchased an old Jeffrey truck with a fifly-foot extension ladder and an Acme truck with a twenty-four foot ladder.

In 1922 a new Gamewell fire alarm and police signal system was installed in the fire hall. Eleven street alarm boxes were installed, which caused the number of the box to be printed on ticker tape at the fire hall. The boxes were also equipped with police signal lights, and when officers at headquarters wished to get in touch with a patrolman, the lights on his beat would be turned on. A fire siren would blow the number of the box from which an alarm had been turned in. Boxes were installed in the three public schools and two local banks as master alarm boxes. An emergency wire was also connected with the Detroit and Ferndale Police departments. Prior to this time the first alarm was sounded by the bell on the old St. Mary's Church on the corner of Fifth and Main. The first horse to appear after the alarm was hitched to the ladder truck and the firemen left their active employment to man the truck as it rushed down Main Street. The owner of the horse received $2.00.

The Village of Royal Oak became a city in 1921. In 1922 the city decided to replace the Volunteer Fire Department with a paid department. Members of the Volunteer Department voted to share their station and equipment with the paid department. Equipment included an early Ehrens Fox pumper, firehose and ladders.

Late in 1922, an order was placed for a 1923 American LaFrance pumper. It was a Model #75 rated at 750 gpm. The six-cylinder truck had right hand drive, chain power transfer, mechanical brakes and an exhaust whistle. This was the ModeI-T era. Construction of the Ford plant in Highland Park meant many jobs for Royal Oak residents and made it possible for Royal Oak to grow as a city.

A few "paid" men were hired, among them George Cook, Frank Winter, Ora Rutledge, Fred Gerds and Dave Gearhardt. In 1924, the decision was made to have a paid, trained man run the Fire Depadment. Martin Bishop, retired battalion chief from Detroit was hired. He served from June 1924 until November 1928.

After many meetings of the City Council, City Manager and Mayor, it was decided to build a new fire station. The Northwood Development Company, partially owned by H.Llyod Clawson, agreed to furnish a site and to provide the services of their architects to design the station. Northwood Fire Station was located on Webster, near Crooks Road, and cost $65,000.00. It opened in 1928, for many years being by far, the best city owned building. Lieutenant George Cook was put in charge and Lieutenant Frank Winter his second in command. The 1923 LaFrance was sent to Northwood, as well as a new 1928 Dodge truck, which the City bought as a booster truck. Five firemen were assigned to each unit. The Gamewell system and telephone were connected and some old furniture was brought in from City Hall. The station was put into service. A fire district was worked out, Northwood answering alarms west of Rochester Road, from Catalpa to Fourteen Mile Road, and all alarms north of Catalpa to the city line, and all alarms west of Woodward from Webster to Fourteen Mile.

There were few telephones in the city and residents were told to call the Police Department to report fires. The police would then contact the Fire Department. A tapper was installed in the Police Station and a telephone was connected to the Fire Station. The police would tap four times which rang a bell in the Fire Station. Then the firemen would pick up the telephone and get the location of the fire.

Phil Mains and Jack Hoekstra were hired. The next event was to build an addition on the back of Fire Station #1. It was to be a kitchen and eating room. It was built by Phil Mains, a carpenter, and other paid firemen.

For many years after the establishment of a regular department, there was still a Volunteer Fire Department, although, except in times of extreme emergency, it was mainly a social group.

In November, 1928, Charles Henning, a former volunteer, a U.S. Navy man having served on a battleship in World War I was hired as Chief. He served as head of the department until June 1954. Also in 1928, three new fire trucks were purchased, a Seagraves pumper, a Seagraves service truck and a Dodge booster. The pumper was a 1000gpm centrifugal pumper. The service truck contained all kinds of equipment, and many wood truss-type ladders, the longest being 55 feet. The Dodge booster truck carded 175 gallons of water, a 300 gpm centrifugal pump, a booster line in a basket, a few soda acid extinguishers, and some tools.

The Depression years did not spare the city of Royal Oak. Taxes could not be collected, all departments had to cut budgets, equipment began to fail regularly, retiring police and firemen were not replaced.

The outbreak of World War II found the Royal Oak Fire Department ill prepared. The trucks were getting very old. The Seagraves and Dodges built in 1928 were thirteen years old, the 1923 LaFrance #75, even older, and its radiator leaked badly. A pail of water was kept next to the front of the truck. When an alarm would come, the driver would have to fill the radiator before leaving the station. The Bendix assembly on the starter would sometimes lock up. When it did, one of the guys would jump on the crank to break it loose. Driving the old LaFrance was considered the worst job in the fire department during World War II. One new truck had been ordered, a Ford - it was never delivered. Ford production had been entirely diverted to war production.

All the trucks were in pretty sad condition by 1941. There would be no new trucks until 1947. Many good men were lost to other jobs due to very Iow wages. Starting salary during this era was $2,200.00. One of the many constraints of the day was the rationing of gasoline. Firefighters received "A-cards". This entitled them to two gallons of gas per week. A requisition for more gas could be approved if it was essential to the war effort, but Chief Henning would not requisition more and it was "make-do" with what they had.

After the end of the war a great many new homes were built. This brought the city more tax money to work with. The city found that $100,000.00 had been saved during the war years, so a new city hall was built. Two new fire trucks were ordered from American LaFrance and were to be 500 gpm pumpers. One was to replace the old LaFrance #75 at Station #2 and one was to replace the 1928 Dodge at Station #1. These trucks were finally delivered in 1947.

In December 1953, Station #1 finally moved from the cramped quarters at the northwest corner of Main and Sixth to a large new headquarters at Sixth and Troy Streets. A new station was designed to be built at Rochester and Lawrence, just south of Thirteen Mile Road. The new station was completed in 1954. Stanley Schumaker and Philip Mains were promoted to Lieutenants and took command of new Fire Station #3. A four-wheel drive, 750 gpm pumper was purchased and sent to Station #3. The new station was assigned a fire district covering the area bounded by Gardenia, Campbell, Main and Fourteen Mile Road. Four men were assigned to each unit.

The city was growing fast. There were fewer grass fires and more house and car fires. Station #2 had to send a truck to all house fires in the north area. It was about this time that the city bought a 75 foot Peter Pirsch aerial ladder truck. This truck was sent to Station #1. The old Seagrave service truck was sold to the owner of the Oak Drive-in Theatre. For several years it was an attraction for young movie goers.

A new hospital was badly needed in the city. A fifty acre farm at Thirteen Mile Road and Woodward was offered at a very reasonable price for the purpose of constructing what has become William Beaumont Hospital. A fire station was needed nearer the hospital. The City owned land on the northeast corner of Thirteen Mile and Woodward. By the end of 1954, the City had constructed Fire Station #4.

Clyde Wray served as Chief from June 1954 until the winter of 1958 when he was forced to take a leave of absence because of illness. Wilfred Speas was named acting Chief at this time and, in August 1959, was named Fire Chief. He served until October 1972, when he retired.

Late one night in the summer of 1967, an urgent call for assistance came from the Detroit Fire Department. They had more than 100 fires going with no equipment or manpower to respond to at least 30 of them. Chief Speas summoned City Manager Ed Shafter, who in turn convened a special meeting of the City Commission. By 2:00 am the following morning a plan of assistance was worked out. A truck was dispatched to the Detroit Fire School grounds on Lonyo. A retired Detroit Lieutenant was stationed on the roof of the school. He would scan the horizon and direct a truck from the school to any fire that appeared to be spreading.

In November 1972, Assistant Chief Clayton Nicholes was promoted to Chief, retiring in March 1976. He was followed by Ronald Nancarrow who served as Chief until May 1983. It was during the Nancarrow years that the Department first began responding to medical runs with trained Emergency Medical Technicians.

Chief William Crouch served from June 1963, until his retirement in May 1996. While he was Chief, the Department instituted an Advanced Life Support, Paramedic program and began transporting patients in city owned ambulances in April 1995. In addition to the three ambulances, Chief Crouch oversaw the purchase of three Sutphen Engines and a 75 foot Sutphen ladder. A successful door-to-door firefighter millage campaign enabled the purchase. It was during this same time that the Department hired its first female firefighters.

Chief Donald Stanford was appointed Chief in June 1996, and served until October 1999, when he retired. During his time, the Department acquired a new Pierce Saber engine, a fourth Ford/McCoy Miller ambulance and talks began about replacing the aging Fire Station #3. Upon his retirement, Assistant Chief Richard Strehlke was named acting Chief, then appointed Chief in January, 2000.

 

Compiled from:

Royal Oak Michigan - The Early Years
Royal Oak Twigs and Acorns
Michael Pennanen, Firefighter May 2002

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Honor Guard

The Royal Oak Fire Department Honor Guard was formed in the wake of the tragic losses of September 11, 2001. This elite team proudly represents the department, IAFF Local 431, and the City of Royal Oak throughout the local area. The Honor Guard has served as representatives at the annual Blue Mass honoring Fire and Police at the Church of Shrine of the Little Flower, lead parades on Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and even a funeral to honor a fallen brother firefighter.

On September 30, 2003, the Royal Oak community suffered the tragic loss of its Fire Marshal Larry Zimmerman. The Honor Guard stood as constant guards at his casket at the funeral home as a final salute. On October 4, 2003, members of the Honor Guard carried Fire Marshal Zimmerman from St. Mary church and placed him atop a fire engine caisson and lead the slow procession down Main Street to his final resting place. The flag, adorning his casket, was sharply folded, and presented to his wife, Cathy.

The Honor Guard also conducts an annual tribute to the victims of September 11th on that date at fire station #1.

This organization is comprised of an all volunteer squad representing firefighters, as well as the department's officer corps. Training is conducted monthly, and has been conducted alongside fire departments from several local cities, the Royal Oak Police Department, as well as our own bagpiper, Firefighter Brian Gothard. To request the presence of this elite unit, please call Firefighter Jeff Strock through the Royal Oak Fire Department main telephone number (248)246-3800.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated on 3/19/04
By ROFD

 

 

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Maltese Cross

The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection - a badge of honor. Its story is hundreds of years old. When a courageous band of crusaders, known as the Knights of St. John, fought the Saracens for possession of the Holy Land, they encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a simple, but horrible device of war; it wrought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon the brave fighters of the Cross. The Saracens' weapon was Fire.

As the Crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, glass bombs containing naphtha attacked them. When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens hurled a flaming tree into their midst. Hundreds of Knights were burned alive. Others risked their lives to save their brothers in arms from dying painful deaths. Thus, these men became the first fire fighters. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow Crusaders who awarded each hero with a badge of honor a cross similar to the one Firefighters wear today.

Since the Knights of St. John lived for nearly four centuries on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea named Malta, the Cross-became known as the Maltese Cross.

The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection. It means that the firefighter that wears this cross is willing to lay down his life, just as the Crusader sacrificed their lives for their fellow men so many years ago.

The Maltese Cross is a Firefighter's Badge of Courage, a ladder-rung away from death.

Last Updated on 8/6/2009

Mission Statement

The mission of the Royal Oak Fire Department is to protect the lives and property within the City of Royal Oak by reducing the effects of fire, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescue emergencies, and disasters. Our department will provide a proactive highly trained professional emergency service for the city to conduct Fire Prevention, Fire Inspection, Fire Investigation, Fire Suppression, Advanced Emergency Medical Treatment and Transport, Mitigation of Hazardous Materials Accidents, Technical Rescue Response, Public CPR and Fire Safety Education.

Our mission will include,

1. Prevention of fire through proactive public education, inspections, investigation, and fire code enforcement.
2. Rapid response for the suppression of fire with highly trained, well equipped professional firefighters.
3. Provide Advanced Life Support treatment and transport of the sick and injured to area hospitals.
4. Mitigate the effects of Hazardous Materials accidents on human life and the environment.
5. Provide a highly trained Technical Rescue Team for incidents of Confined Space, Trench Rescue, and Building Collapse emergencies.
6. Provide emergency services to reduce injuries or death in incidents of disaster (natural or man made).
7. Treating the public with professionalism, respect, kindness, and courtesy.

Press Releases

Fire Department News Releases, Updates and Reports

 

May 22, 2013: Update for week ending May 18, 2013

May 17, 2013: Update for week ending May 11, 2013

May 10, 2013: Update for week ending May 4, 2013

May 3, 2013: Update for week ending April 27, 2013

April 25, 2013: Update for week ending April 20, 2013

April 16, 2013: Update for week ending April 13, 2013

April 10, 2013: Update for week ending April 6, 2013

March 23, 2013: Update for week ending March 23, 2013

March 14, 2013: Update for week ending March 14, 2013

March 7, 2013: Update for week ending March 2, 2013

February 27, 2013: Update for week ending February 23, 2013

January 16, 2013: Update for week ending January 12, 2013

January 9, 2013: Update for week ending January 5, 2013

January 3, 2013: Update for week ending December 29, 2012

December 27, 2012: Update for week ending December 22, 2012

December 19, 2012: Update for week ending December 15, 2012

December 12, 2012: Update for week ending December 8, 2012

December 5, 2012: Update for week ending December 1, 2012

November 28, 2012: Update for week ending November 24, 2012

November 20, 2012: Update for week ending November 17, 2012

November 15, 2012: Update for week ending November 10, 2012

November 7, 2012: Update for week ending November 3, 2012

October 30, 2012: Update for week ending October 27, 2012

October 24, 2012: Update for week ending October 20, 2012

October 16, 2012: Update for week ending October 13, 2012

October 12, 2012: Update for week ending October 6, 2012

October 3, 2012: Update for week ending September 29, 2012

September 25, 2012: Update for week ending September 22, 2012

September 11, 2012: Update for week ending September 8, 2012

September 4, 2012: Update for week ending September 1, 2012

August 28, 2012: Update for week ending August 25, 2012

August 21, 2012: Update for week ending August 18, 2012

August 15, 2012: Update for week ending August 11, 2012

August 9, 2012: Update for week ending August 4, 2012

July 19, 2012: Update for week ending July 14, 2012

July 12, 2012: Update for week ending July 7, 2012

June 27, 2012: Update for Weeks ending June 16 and 23, 2012

June 12, 2012: Update for week ending June 9, 2012

June 7, 2012: Update for week ending June 2, 2012

May 29, 2012: Update for week ending May 28, 2012

May 22, 2012: Update for week ending May 19, 2012

May 16, 2012: Update for week ending May 12, 2012

May 9, 2012: Update for week ending May 5, 2012

May 1, 2012: Update for week ending April 28, 2012

April 24, 2012: Update for week ending April 21, 2012

April 16, 2012: Update for week ending April 14, 2012

April 10, 2012: Update for week ending April 7, 2012

April 3, 2012: Update for the week ending March 31, 2012

March 28, 2012: Update for the week ending March 24, 2012

March 20, 2012: Update for the week ending March 17, 2012

February 9, 2012: Update for the week ending February 4, 2012

February 1, 2012: Update for the week ending January 28, 2012

January 25, 2012: Update for week ending January 21, 2012

January 19, 2012: Update for week ending January 14, 2012

January 11, 2012: Update for week ending January 7, 2012

January 4, 2012: Update for week ending December 31, 2011

December 28, 2011: Update for week ending December 24, 2011

December 22, 2011: Update for week ending December 17, 2011

December 15, 2011: Update for week ending December 10, 2011

December 8, 2011: Update for week ending December 3, 2011

November 30, 2011: Update for week ending November 26, 2011

November 23, 2011: Update for week ending November 19, 2011

November 17, 2011: Update for week ending November 12, 2011

November 14, 2011: Update for week ending November 5, 2011

November 3, 2011: Update for week ending October 29, 2011

October 26, 2011: Update for week ending October 22, 2011

October 20, 2011: Update for Oct. 9 through Oct. 15

October 12, 2011: Update for Oct. 2 through Oct. 8

October 1, 2011: Update for Sept. 25 through Oct. 1

September 29, 2011: Update for Sept. 18 through Sept. 24

September 26, 2011: Update for Sept. 11 through Sept. 17

September 15, 2011: Update for September 4 through September 10

September 8, 2011: Update for August 28 through September 3

September 1, 2011: Update for August 21 through August 27

August 30, 2011: Update for August 14 through August 20

August 19. 2011: Update for August 7 through August 13

August 11, 2011: Update for July 31 through August 6

August 4, 2011: Update for July 24 through July 30

July 27, 2011: Update for July 17 through July 23

July 22, 2011: Update for July 10 through July 16

July 14, 2011: Update for July 3 through July 9

July 8, 2011: Update for June 26 through July 2

July 5, 2011: Update for June 12 through June 25

June 10, 2011: Update for May 29 through June 4

June 2, 2011: Update for May 22 through May 28

May 13, 2011: Update for May 1 through May 7

May 9, 2011: Update for April 24 through April 30

April 28, 2011: Update for April 17 through April 23

April 21, 2011: Update for April 10 through April 16

April 15, 2011: Update for April 3 through April 9

April 8, 2011: Update for March 27 through April 2

March 30, 2011: Update for March 20 through March 26

March 25, 2011: Update for March 13 through March 19

March 21, 2011: Update for March 6 through March 12

March 11, 2011: Update for February 27 through March 5

March 4, 2011: Update for February 20 through February 26

February 23, 2011: Update for February 13 through February 19

February 18, 2011: Update for February 6 through February 12 

February 11, 2011: Update for January 30 through Fenruary 5 

February 4, 2011: Update for January 23 through January 29

January 26, 2011: Update for January 16 through January 22

January 21, 2011: Update for January 9 through January 15

January 12, 2011: Update for January 2 through January 8

January 10, 2011: Update for December 26 through January 1

December 25, 2010: Update for December 1 through 25

 

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Responsibilities

 

The procedures and policies we use are proactive and current with the industry standards. This is in the best interests of the city and the safety of our firefighters and citizens. Most people that die in a fire die from smoke inhalation, not the fire. A full response with adequate fire suppression personnel is their best chance for survival. Below is an explanation of how our department operates and why.

Fire fighting is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. Fire doubles in size every 20 seconds with temperatures rising to over 1800 degrees. Smoke is so thick that you can not see your hand in front of your face. Firefighters are wearing approximately 70 pounds of gear and have to crawl while pulling hose and carrying equipment. The stress and exertion levels are high, and although in good shape, exertion comes quickly. Interior attack and rescue teams need to be rotated. The success of a good fire department comes from good training, good equipment, physical fitness, and enough firefighters on the scene to perform this dangerous job safely and efficiently.

Our department utilizes the Incident Command System. This system organizes tasks and responsibilities like any well run business. In the past, firefighters would free lance, doing whatever function they felt like at a fire scene. This system was disorganized with no accountability on the fire ground. Firefighters who were lost during operations were not missed until it was too late and the efficiency of the firefighting operations was poor. Due to increased liability and a need to be more accountable with how we use our personnel and equipment, operational changes needed to be made.

Due to approximately 100 firefighter deaths per year the NFPA and OSHA mandated changes in fireground operations. Incident Command, Personnel Accountability, Two In Two Out (Rapid Intervention Team), and Safety Officers were made required standards that would increase firefighter safety and improve firefighting operations. NFPA standard 1500 addresses Occupational Health and Safety including fire ground Incident Command, Rapid Intervention Teams, and Communications. NFPA standard 1521 addresses the Safety Officer. NFPA standard 1561 addresses Emergency Incident Management System. NFPA standard 1710 addresses the number of personnel required to meet these improved standards and safety for firefighting personnel during firefighting operations. When the required positions are filled there are a minimum of 14 firefighters needed on scene. MIOSHA part 74 addresses Fire Fighting Operations and the duties of the employer. MIOSHA part 554 addresses Bloodborne infectious Diseases and protective gear. MIOSHA part 42, 92, 430 addresses Hazard Communications. MIOSHA part 451 addresses Respiratory Protection. The Department policies are developed based on MIOSHA regulations and NFPA standards.

The Royal Oak Fire Department takes pride in the fact no firefighter has ever died in the line of duty. The fire loss records indicate the majority of fires in Royal Oak are contained to the room and contents and few citizens have died. The Department feels this is due to the quick response with the right number of professional firefighters trained and equipped to do the job.

NFPA also calls for 4 Firefighters per truck; so more people reach the scene ready to make entry, protect property, and conduct the other jobs necessary for fire ground operations. Although our department can not place 4 firefighters per truck, we meet the standard by placing the required number of personnel on the scene by sending additional apparatus. Keep in mind that all apparatus are in service by radio and as soon as the Incident Commander has determined whether there is a fire or not, these apparatus can be called upon to respond quickly to other emergency calls.

Below is a description of the procedures used during fire responses;

• Review Dispatch Information

- The officer reviews the information provided from dispatch and determines the nature and extent of the situation.

• Response

- All apparatus will respond safely and efficiently to any area in our city within 4-6 minutes. All personnel will be equipped in full turnout gear with members assigned to make entry wearing SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus).

• Arrival

- The officer will establish command, conduct the initial size-up of the situation, deploy the other apparatus, and assign personnel. The officer will establish needed water supply and determine what other resources may be needed such as Police, DPS, Utilities, or other Fire/EMS units (which may require the use of mutual aid).

• Accountability Officer

- The Incident Commander will assign someone to maintain the accountability board during fire suppression operations. This person will keep account of all personnel working the scene.

• Safety Officer

- The Incident Commander will assign a member to be the Safety Officer. This person is responsible for overseeing the operations for safety. The Safety Officer calls for a PAR (Personnel Accounting Report) every 20 minutes. All members will then report back via the portable radio to report in. If an employee doesn't respond, then the RIT Team knows where the employee had been assigned to work and where to start their search. All fire suppression operations continue while the search is conducted.

• Water Supply

- The driver of each apparatus in operation at the scene remains with their vehicle. They are responsible for pump pressures and maintaining an uninterrupted water supply. This person will also assist with bringing additional equipment from the apparatus and replacing the breathing bottles of the team members from the search and rescue or fire suppression crews.

• Ventilation

- A team will set up the PPV fan (positive pressure ventilation) to push the smoke and gases out of the structure. The ladder truck may be utilized for this operation to open the roof with saws to give the smoke and gases an avenue to escape the structure. This is critical for the safety of our personnel and any occupants that have not been found and brought out to safety yet. Each team requires a minimum of two personnel.

• Search & Rescue

- Saving lives are our first priority. Search and Rescue teams will immediately be deployed to look for occupants and bring them out to safety. This will require the use of the Thermal Imaging Camera that allows us to see through the smoke for victims. Each team requires a minimum of two personnel.

• RIT Team

- A Rapid Intervention Team of two or more personnel must be established and stage (stand ready). This team is held in reserve to effect rescue in case our own members become trapped or lost.

• Fire Attack & Extinguishment

- Teams will be deployed to search for the seat of the fire and extinguish it. Multiple teams may be necessary depending on the extent of the fire spread. If the fire has extended into the walls, then tools to open the walls or ceilings will be used. Each team requires a minimum of two personnel.

• Exposure Protection

- A team may be assigned to man a hose line to protect adjacent buildings or to evacuate neighboring buildings.

• Salvage

- This is the procedure of protecting the occupants property from further damage. This may require tarping belongings, furniture, carpeting, etc. This takes place during extinguishment if personnel and time permit.

• Overhaul

- This is the clean-up stage of the fire suppression operation. Removing any smoldering materials and looking for hidden hot spots. This has to be done carefully so evidence useful to the fire investigation for determining the cause is not destroyed.

• Clean up

This is when all equipment is picked up and returned to the apparatus. Hoses are drained and rolled. Back at the station, the hose is washed and placed into a hose dryer. Equipment is cleaned, refueled, checked, then returned to its place on the apparatus.

The Fire Department is responsible for providing emergency services to our city of 11.78 square miles with a population of over 60,000. The current staffing for the department is 71. There are 5 staff officers (Chief, Asst. Chief, Marshal, Inspector, and EMS Coordinator) and 66 fire suppression personnel (3 shifts of 22). The run total was 4,668 in 2002. This is due to the increased medical care and transport we now provide to our citizens.

The Department policies and procedures follow accepted industry standards. These policies and standards ensure the safety of our personnel while doing a highly dangerous job.

Fire Chief

-- Back to top --

Roster

Badge	Name	Start
1	W. Sullivan	1908
2	W. Folland	1908
3	W. Wheeler	1908
4	R. Gass	1908
5	L. Halsey	1908
6	E. Joyce	1908
7	R. McClure	1908
8	M. Halsey	1908
9	J. Codling	4/3/1912
10	H. Brace	4/3/1912
11	G. Scott	4/3/1912
12	J. Robar	4/3/1912
13	W. West	4/3/1912
14	R. Baxter	2/10/1913
15	A. Bernard	2/10/1913
16	P. Clack	2/10/1913
17	A. Codling	2/10/1913
18	C. Crampton	2/10/1913
19	G. Morel	2/10/1913
20	W. Oetjens	2/10/1913
21	A. Olmstead	2/10/1913
22	C. Randall	2/10/1913
23	C. Rogers	2/10/1913
24	M. Schantz	2/10/1913
25	G. Schmidt	2/10/1913
26	C. Schroff	2/10/1913
27	L. White	2/10/1913
28	B. DuQuette	2/10/1913
29	E. Elliott	2/10/1913
30	F. Ferguson	2/10/1913
31	A. Greenough	2/10/1913
32	A. Lawson	2/10/1913
33	C. Harris	2/10/1913
34	C. Henning	4/1920
35	C. Wray	4/1922
36	G. Cook	3/1923
37	M. Bishop	6/1/1924
38	O. Rutledge	7/23/1924
39	P. Main	5/5/1925
40	F. Winter	1928
41	A. Barber	1928
42	E. Forkel	1928
43	F. Gerds	1928
44	D. Gerhardt	1928
45	H. Scott	1928
46	L. Paul	1928
47	C. Prineler	1928
48	J. Hoekstra	1928
49	T. Radeff	1928
50	A. Smith	1928
51	C. Smith	1928
52	J. Warner	1928
53	L. Reynolds	7/16728
54	B. Havelock	1/28/1929
55	S. Schumaker	4/16/1929 8/31/1929
56	J. Peters
57	G. Wetzel
58	G. Code	5/4/1936
59	W. Earhart	9/17/1936
60	W. Speas	11/20/39
61	G. Penny	9/10/1941
62	C. Kitsmiller
63	G. Inman	9/15/1941
64	H. Murray
65	R. Cranson	12/8/1942
66	J. Butters	5/25/1943
67	H. Bosch	6/11/1943
68	C. Gravlin	6/17/1943
69	A. Bowers	8/31/1943
70	W. Barr	2/19/1944
71	C. Claflin	7/23/1944
72	M. O'Dett	4/20/1945
73	R. Reynolds	12/11/45
74	C. Nicholes	8/28/1947 3/8/1954
75	F. Braendle	12/30/1936 8/1/1944
76	J. Engle	late 1940's
77	W. Hubner Jr	10/24/1947
78	F. Hamson	4/30/1948
79	R. Ross	6/21/1948
80	C. Stiff	7/14/1948
81	D. Baum	4/6/1950
82	B. DuQuette	3/7/1950
83	S. Durant	10/6/1950
84	R. Main	1951
85	R. Finn	4/9/1951
86	J. Daley	9/18/1951
87	E. Donnelly	9/24/1951
88	A. Tubbs	9/25/1951
89	L. Granzow	10/2/1951
90	R. Scott	10/2/1951
91	J. Girardot	10/3/1951
92	W. Nancarrow Jr	9/9/1946
93	J. Fraley	12/4/1951
94	J. Carter	12/27/51
95	R. Wyer	1/16/1952
96	T. Stanczak	2/3/1952
97	L. Libby	5/7/1952
98	J. Schroff	5/26/1952
99	L. Ciaffone	8/19/1952
100	F. Wiley	12/15/52
101	J. Fife	2/16/1953
102	D. Bonker	3/1/1953
103	R. Shannon	3/2/1953
104	E. McClure	3/10/1953
105	J. Maday	4/1/1953
106	D. Vantrease	4/10/1953
107	C. Williams	4/19/1953
108	E. Cadilac	4/23/1953
109	D. Wyatt	5/8/1953
110	K. Riggs	5/19/1953
111	G. Stankovich	6/15/1953
112	J. Gensman	6/16/1953
113	J. Strall	7/2/1953
114	E. Martin	7/22/1953
115	J. Warbington	7/23/1953
116	R. Gunsch Jr	8/4/1953
117	F. Butler	9/3/1953
118	D. Banker	9/16/1953
119	G. Ruebelmann	9/16/1953
120	R. Strain	7/16/1953
121	R. Leet	9/21/1953
122	P. Hart	12/9/1953
123	G. Delandsheer	2/13/1954
124	E. Grabowski	mid 1950's
125	R. Weston	5/4/1955
126	C. Kellogg	1955
127	N. White Jr	5/5/1955
128	R. McWilliams	5/17/1955
129	R. Nancarrow	7/6/1955
130	J. Love	1/3/1956
131	T. Bowman	1/10/1956
132	J. Bailey	11/16/55
133	K. Girardot	3/22/1956
134	J. Coulter	4/26/1956
135	R. Wingle	7/9/1956
136	C. Harwood	9/12/1956
137	F. Jones	11/5/1956
138	R. Bucciarelli	12/10/56
139	W. White	12/11/56
140	D. Brown	2/11/1957
141	W. Bailey	2/11/1959
142	C. Conn Jr	6/19/59
143	R. Bart	6/19/1959
144	J. Karna	6/20/1959
145	T. WiIson	6/22/1959
146	R. Draoust	6/23/1959
147	W. Gravlin	6/26/1959
148	G. Reeves	6/26/1959
149	J. Richards	7/27/1959
150	J. Murray	7/10/1959
151	W. Grandchamp Jr	9/14/1959
152	W. Prewitt	9/17/1959
153	D. Simmons
154	R. Geary	12/28/59
155	K. Karna	1960
156	H. Rognlie	1/24/1960
157	J. Lukacsy	3/9/1960
158	R. Johnson	6/2/1960
159	C. Kellogg	7/31/1960
160	E. Grabowski Jr	10/10/60
161	W. Huffman	2/1/1961
162	T. Halley	4/7/1961
163	R. Lathrop	8/30/1961
164	E. Bowden	9/24/1961
165	D. Simmons	10/20/61
166	J. Corazza	3/26/1962
167	R. Beatty	3/28/1962
168	C. Avery	4/5/1962
169	R. Gammon	4/5/1962
170	J. Long	4/10/62
171	L. Rowe	5/21/1962
172	G. VanConant	7/16/1962
173	S. Bozich	7/23/1962
174	O. L.Walters	7/24/1962
175	W. Crouch	12/4/1961
176	R. Pingilley	10/1/1963
177	P. Cronenwett	10/7/1963
178	R. McCafferty	1/12/1964
179	L. Trudell	8/22/1959
180	E. Rutkoski	7/7/1964
181	L. Walker	7/7/1964
182	L. Landry	11/4/1964
183	M. Corless	7/11/1964
184	E. Miller	3/11/1965
185	L. Mason	3/21/1965
186	T. Otten	4/25/1966
187	B. Gaioni	7/23/1966
188	R. Szetela	3/27/1967
189	D. Ashcraft	9/1/1967
190	R. Fonville	11/30/67
191	D. Krambrink	3/13/1968
192	R. Turner	7/25/1968
193	D. Hocking	10/25/68
194	L. Klein	11/17/68
195	B. Bonar	7/15/1969
196	R. Hamson	8/21/1969
197	T. Lechleitner	11/19/69
198	J. Crowe	3/31/1972
199	D. Stanford	6/14/1973
200	D. Broadley	1/10/1974
201	D. Lundberg	4/30/1974
202	M. Powers	11/10/75
203	A. Wease	11/10/75
204	D. Rasnick	6/13/1976
205	J. McClure	8/16/1976
206	T. LaPado	6/23/1977
207	H. Osborne	10/17/77
208	D. Nicholas	3/20/1978
209	R. Sage	4/3/1978
210	T. Murphy	4/3/1978
211	G. Georgiou	6/5/1978
212	R. Horkenbach	6/20/1978
213	C. Peltier	8/7/1978
214	R. Lipinski	10/30/78
215	L. Zimmerman	7/9/1979
216	R. Strehlke	7/9/1979
217	D. Smith	1/25/1982
218	T. Thompson	1/25/1982
219	J. McFarland	5/11/1982
220	P. Benedict	11/22/76
221	R. Dentry	8/8/83
222	G. Honeycutt	8/8/83
223	R. Ballard	8/15/83
224	V. Martin	8/16/83
225	T. Nathan	12/19/83
226	R. Bader	4/18/85
227	S. Villerot	4/19/85
228	D. Stehlin Jr	4/21/85
229	P. Mulligan	4/23/85
230	J. Andrick	5/6/85
231	D. Allen	10/1/85
232	T. Nikkila	12/11/85
233	G. Tufts	8/13/86
234	J. Petras	9/5/86
235	G. Kovacs	9/15/86
236	M. Schunck	9/15/86
237	C. Thomas Jr	4/13/1987
238	R. Wiegand	4/13/87
239	T. Kelly	9/14/87
240	D. Ham Jr	9/14/87
241	M. Bauer	8/31/87
242	S. Parr	2/10/88
243	G. Matcse	3/24/88
244	R. Weingartz	8/6/88
245	K. Pierzynski	8/22/88
246	J. O'Connell III	8/22/88
139	W. White Jr	9/12/88
247	D. Paszkiewicz	9/12/88
248	T. Stewart	9/12/88
249	J. Cook	8/11/88
250	J. Poppe	12/4/88
251	S. Cruce	1/30/90
252	M. Olsen	10/29/90
253	R. Ulleny Jr	4/15/91
254	D. Wofley	4/23/91
255	A. Blevins	7/1/91
256	T. Rosenthal	8/5/1991
257	K. Sutton	8/7/1991
258	B. Upton	2/15/1992
259	J. McDermott	2/16/1992
260	J. Hodson	2/18/1992
261	J. Jurma	5/12/1992
262	J. Smith	6/23/1992
263	B. Gothard	7/20/1992
264	M. Pennanen	8/17/1992
265	D. Cummins	8/17/1992
266	D. Philips	8/17/1992
267	D. Stark	8/23/1993
268	G. Mohney III	3/12/1994
269	B. Clarke	8/7/1994
270	H. Larkin	1/20195
271	J. Hegerberg	4/28/1995
272	A. Averbuch	6/8/1995
273	K. Wilkinson	8/1/1995
274	D. Dishluk	1/30/1996
275	S. Lambouris	7/1/1996
276	J. Strock	8/28/1996
277	J. Stevenson	9/16/1997
278	C. Strauss	11/25/97
279	R. Larkins	8/10/1998
280	M. Gladieux	10/22/98
281	C. Thompson	10/23/98
282	A. Schwedler	9/28/1999
283	D. Starrs	10/14/99
284	J. Stema	10/18/99
285	S. Wilson	6/5/2000
286	C. Lippo	6/5/2000
287	D. Cueny	4/16/2001
288	A. Cattini	1/14/2002
289	J. Carroll	8/19/2002
290	S. Gardner	3/17/2003
291	T. Kanztler	3/17/2003
292	R. Pearson	9/8/2003
293	M. Finitzer	1/29/2004
294	J. Jenkins	1/19/2005
295	J. Meloche	1/20/2005
296	H. Sievert	2/8/2005
297	I. Loch	2/15/2005
298	D. Duffany	2/16/2005
299	S. Kleinglass	2/17/2005
300	J. Alberga	6/20/2011
301	N. Dieterich	10/19/2011
302	A. Johns	10/24/2011
303	S. Brichta	11/1/2011
304	R. Tengler	12/21/2011
305	K. Linenger	12/28/2011
306	M. Romano	7/2/2012
307	G. Oliverio	7/3/2012
308	J. Davey	7/4/2012
309	N. Cockroft	7/6/2012
310	R. Edwards	7/11/2012
311	J. Shell	8/18/2012

Last Updated on 3/21/2013
By ROFD

Timeline

Time Line taken from 12/23/99 Daily Tribune Article and Other Sources

1908 The Royal Oak Fire Department, comprised entirely of volunteers, is organized, at the home of undertaker William Sullivan.

1912 A fire on Main Street destroys the block between Third and Fourth Streets.

1917 George Kerry's barn on Crooks Road catches fire and burns to the ground. The loss is valued at $400.

1917 Two policemen are appointed to make regular rounds because of a string of robberies. They are also to watch for fires and keep men and boys from blocking sidewalks and making rude remarks to women and girls.

1922 The Gamewell fire alarm system is installed throughout the city.

1924 A permanent trained, paid fire department is established, Martin Bishop is named Chief.

1927 Northwood Fire station #2 opens at the comer of Crooks and Webster.

1935 Royal Oak Fire Fighters join the International Association of Fire Fighters (I.A.F.F.) and the Michigan State Fire Fighters Association (M.S.F.F.A.).

1935 Station #1 being remodeled, Fire Department works out of the Farmers Market.

1952 Headquarters station moved from Sixth and Main to new station at Sixth and Troy.

1953 Royal Oak adds two new fire stations. Station #3 is at the corner of Rochester Road and 13 Mile Road; Station #4 is at the corner of Woodward and 13 Mile Road.

1962 100' Ladder truck put into service, 12 men added.

1963 The old Stauch farm house, facing 12 Mile Road on the present site of the Red Run Golf Course is burned down as a practice exercise for the Fire Department.

1967 Royal Oak assisted Detroit Fire Department during riots, National Guardsmen help man trucks.

1980 Mason Chrysler-Plymouth burns

1980 Royal Oak closes fire station #2 and eliminates 18 positions.

1983 Two large fires in 400 block of S. Washington.

1988 Riggers fire, L9-12 damaged.

1989 Gamewell system discontinued and removed.

1994 Advanced Life Support incorporated into Fire Deparment services.

2001 135’ Bronto articulating aerial truck purchased for $966,296.00

Last Updated on 1/30/03
By ROFD