Notes for the Month!

• The Task Force is actively recruiting, especially for Rescue Specialists. If you know someone who is interested, please encourage them to apply.
• Orientation for prospective members will be in October; date to be determined.
• The Task Force will still deploy for situations within the State of Michigan, so please continue to be ready

Please check your profile and make sure that all your qualifications are up to date.

MI-TF1 Funding and Operational Update

Our leadership team continues to work closely with the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs (MAFC), the State Fire Marshal, and MSP/EMHSD in working with legislators toward a solution to restore an appropriation for FY27. The messaging and involvement of Fire Chiefs from across Michigan has had a significant influence in helping lawmakers understand the impact and mission-critical need for continued annual operational funding for MI-TF1. Discussions with legislators remain focused on both a short-term funding solution and the development of a long-term funding model that ensures the continued sustainment and operational readiness of the Task Force. We remain confident that a bipartisan supplemental funding bill will be introduced following January 8, when newly elected legislators are sworn into office, with the hope that it can move quickly through committee and ultimately reach both chambers for a vote. The long-term funding solution will require additional time, collaboration, and legislative work to establish lasting sustainment for MI-TF1.

Beginning October 1, there will be notable changes to our operations as we work to reduce expenditures while maintaining the readiness necessary to respond to emergencies across the state. Our immediate focus will be “keeping the lights on” by maintaining only essential operations and maintenance necessary to ensure we can still go out the door when needed. Non-essential work, supplies, projects, and training and exercise support requiring backfill will be placed on hold until supplemental funding is securely in place. There are a few exceptions for training commitments that have already been funded for specific positions; otherwise, participation will be strictly voluntary. We will continue to maintain a minimum level of training and proficiency, with each section and group committed to conducting training opportunities as resources allow, understanding that attendance may be reduced without backfill.

Thank you for your continued dedication, flexibility, and professionalism during this transitional period. Regardless of what the next few months may bring, please remain vigilant in maintaining your skills, readiness, and preparation. The commitment this team demonstrates to doing the right thing and remaining ready to serve transcends the obstacles placed in front of us. This is simply one of those obstacles—and we will work through it together.
Enjoy the rest of the summer!

NOAA Prediction for Autumn

El Niño is on track to be one of the strongest every recorded. It is expected to reach maximum strength in late fall or early winter. This will likely lead to Michigan being warmer and dryer through the winter. It’s possible, even likely, that flooding will continue for the southern states, although the hurricane threat from the Atlantic is diminished.

 

Grayling Taiwan Training

Recently Rescue, Medical and Logistics Specialists had the opportunity to train with the Taiwanese USAR team. The Taiwanese team met at the MOB Center, where they received  an overview of MI-TF1 and all of our equipment. The teams combined into one, traveled to Camp Grayling and spent two days training at the CACTF. Training included rope rescue, breaking/breaching concrete, load calculations with heavy rigging/lifting, airbags and patient extrication inside of confined spaces. The teams quickly bonded, quickly found a rhythm working together and had great discussions.

 

Connect Rocket Testing

Connect Rocket is what the Task Force uses for communication with our members.

Testing of the system is scheduled monthly – this is done to improve our response times.

It is possible additional Connect Rocket notifications could go out. Anything other than an actual deployment will be clearly identified as ‘EXERCISE’.

Thank you everyone.

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

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!