Monthly Notes
As 2026 winds down, the Task Force is looking forward to 2027. The joint exercise at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center is still scheduled for May. This will be an exercise based specifically on a Type 3 team deployment.
Even with our current funding issues, maintaining your training and education requirements remain in place.
***The off-duty clothing ‘store’ is now open***
You may place your orders here: https://www.customink.com/g/hxk0-00d3-qpuu
Please note – the navy shirts will have gray outlines for the state/logo, but for purposes of making these items available, the items are shown in black.
The store will close on October 31st..
Orders will be available at the Mob Center in early December.
MI-TF1 Funding Update: Maintaining Readiness and Looking Ahead
Team,
As we move into October, I want to provide an update on our current funding situation, the work underway to restore our funding, and what this means for MI-TF1 in the months ahead.
Effective October 1, our operations have shifted to essential activities necessary to keep the Mobilization Center operational and maintain our vehicles, equipment cache, and critical response resources in a state of readiness. Although our FY26 grant appropriation with the State has closed out, we have strategically allocated some available contingency funds to preserve our ability to respond to in-state mission requests while we work toward a resolution. These measures are intended to maintain our core response posture during this challenging period.
Behind the scenes, MI-TF1 leadership continues to work diligently with legislators, the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs (MAFC) Executive Board, and State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes to advance both short- and long-term funding solutions. We have had encouraging conversations with lawmakers in both chambers and continue to see bipartisan support for MI-TF1 and the critical capabilities we provide to Michigan’s communities and Fire Service. While the upcoming midterm elections have delayed legislative action, we remain optimistic about the path forward. Our goal is to work with legislators following the elections to develop and advance a supplemental bill restoring our FY27 funding, followed by continued discussions to establish a more sustainable funding framework for FY28 and beyond.
While the current circumstances are certainly not ideal, I believe the collaborative efforts underway will put us in a stronger position for the future. Our work with fire service leadership, legislative partners, and other stakeholders is about more than restoring our immediate funding; it is about developing a more reliable and sustainable model that protects this mission-critical resource for the long term.
I want to extend a sincere thank-you to our own Chief Carroll, President of MI-MABAS; the MAFC Executive Board; State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes; and the many sponsoring Chiefs who continue to advocate for MI-TF1 behind the scenes in Lansing and with their local legislators. Their efforts, along with the continued support and advocacy of our broader fire service community, are making a difference.
In the meantime, I ask each of you to remain as engaged as possible with your sections and groups over the next several months. Continue to maintain your skills, preparedness, and professional connections, and take advantage of the training opportunities available within our current operational limitations. We recognize that these circumstances may affect participation and availability, but maintaining our individual and collective readiness remains essential as we navigate this period.
Most importantly, please remember that this team is defined by its people, its commitment, and its ability to come together when Michigan needs us most—not by the challenges we face today. We have built an exceptional capability through years of dedication, hard work, and service to others. That foundation remains strong, and I am confident we will continue moving forward together.
Thank you for your continued commitment to MI-TF1, your fellow team members, and the communities we serve. Your contributions matter, and you remain the reason for this team’s continued success—even when the lights are dimmed.
In service,
Shadd
Congratulations to Newly Certified Canine Teams
Over the first weekend in October, Cris Bean with Walker and Kim Veldheer with Surf accomplished their Certifications and are both now deployable members of the Task Force with their Human Remains Specialist dogs!
Are you having trouble accessing the members section of the website?
https://www.mitf1.org/
Contact Joe Chopski at [email protected] for assistance!
Connect Rocket has a monthly test. If you did not get a text, a phone call and an email, please contact [email protected].
Also – please note! It is imperative that everyone respond to the communication when it comes through. You get a text, a phone call and an email. Please respond to one of those as quickly as possible!
If you are on Facebook, be sure to ‘Like” Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System!
Have you joined MI-TF1 private Facebook group yet? If not, contact Rayanne at [email protected] to be added!
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!
