Notes for the Month!

• The Operational Exercise is fast approaching and nearly all members have signed up! If you have not signed up yet and are able to attend, please contact Mike Evans for assistance. If you find you cannot attend after all, please also let him know.
• Check all your position specific training dates as well as your Task Book to ensure you retain (or establish) your deployable status.

As previously announced, the UAS class will be offered May 29/30 – if you are interested in taking it, please contact Mike Evans.

 

MI-TF1 Deployment Update

At this time last year, MI-TF1 members were working in the Gaylord area to clear debris from the devastating ice storm.

This year, a Type 3 water component has been dispatched to stage in Grayling because of the equally devastating flooding that is currently occurring in the same area. With a dam threatening failure in the Cheboygan area and roads washing out in the Traverse City area, this situation could become deadly.

 

Canine Group Hosts Handlers from Ohio and Kentucky

Thanks to Jason Stevens and the Lansing Fire Department, the Canine Group has been able to train at the abandoned McLaren Hospital building in Lansing. In March, we were able to host handlers and canines from OH-TF1 and KY-TF1 for a weekend of training. With 5 stories and endless possibilities, everyone went home tired, but with a plan!
As an added bonus, Brett Barton brought his two children to ‘hide’ for the dogs. They did an exceptional job bringing the drama by moaning and screaming and singing, which really challenged the dogs!

 

Early hurricane predictions are starting to appear, but there does not seem to be any consensus for the 2026 season yet. The University of Arizona is predicting an above average season due to the very warm waters of the Atlantic while Colorado State University is predicting a below average number of storms due to El Nino and the wind-shear it will likely cause. As responders, we need to continue to be ready for anything!

 

Connect Rocket
During the monthly test, everyone gets a text message and an email.  It is important that everyone respond to the notification, but you only have to respond to one of them. It will be recorded regardless of which one you respond to.

When there is a deployment request, connect rocket sends a message to every TF member.  Regardless of your status with the TF, please respond with your availability.  Even if you may not be deploying, you may be requested to help out at the Mob Center.

 

Are you having trouble accessing the members section of the website?
https://www.mitf1.org/
Contact Joe Chopski at [email protected] for assistance!

 

Please be sure all requests for backfill for any TF or Section Training is submitted to [email protected] as soon as is possible.  Thank you!