Notes for the Month!

• Make sure your Task Book is being updated; most section trainings will include something that can be ‘checked off’!
• Check your status on D4H and make sure all your qualifications and certificates have been uploaded!

Budget Update From Shadd

As everyone is aware, the Task Force budget has been delayed for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Leadership continues to work with legislators and stakeholders to quickly restore the needed funding. Beyond this delay, the current lame duck session adds another layer of complexity for these timelines.

We will continue to hold to our current training calendar, with some exceptions. Maintaining readiness and skill remains paramount to the mission of responding anywhere in our state when called upon. We appreciate your continued efforts, despite our untimely funding delay.

Our remaining FY26 funds will focus on the following:

• Mobilization Center and facility expenses
• Fleet Readiness
• Core resources necessary to maintain the ability to mobilize and respond

Effective Immediately:

• Previously approved projects and position specific training will be supported
• New projects requiring funding will be deferred
• The regular Admin Exercise Days held in December will be postponed
• New travel and training requests will be put on hold
• Backfill will be suspended until further notice

For our sponsored members, leadership is contacting your Chief, keeping them updated on the current fiscal situation and providing further direction on letters of support to our state legislators.

I’m confident we’ll get through this challenge together, and in the meantime, we will find opportunities and options for maintaining our readiness.

Thank you for your continued work in maintaining your skills and readiness!

MI-TF1 Offers Stillwater/Flood Rescue Boat Operator

In early June, MI-TF1 offered two days of flood water rescue and boat operator training. Over two days, classroom instruction, motor repair and practical training for flood water response were offered by MI-TF1 subject matter experts. Attending the class were MI-TF1 members, personnel from Livingston County, Lansing, Hartland, and Brighton.

MI-TF1 Hosts Canine Training

In mid-July, the MI-TF1 canine group was able to host training with handlers and dogs from OH-TF1 and KY-TF1 at the closed McLaren Hospital in Lansing, MI.

Kim Veldheer compiled these statistics associated with the training:

• 3 days of training
• 16 handlers
• 30 dogs (18 live-find / 12 human remains)

Inside conditions were stifling with little air movement. Two days included air quality alerts and some indoor areas collected and held the smell of smoke.

Just being able to work in these conditions, to manage both the dogs and ourselves was great. However, as handlers, no one is content with the minimum so all the handlers got involved and extremely challenging problems were set for the more advanced teams and multiple progressive problems were set to help advance the training of the younger dogs.

Tropical Storm Bertha

The second named storm of the 2026 season (Bertha) has formed in the Gulf. With sustained winds of 50mph. Tropical storm warnings have been issued from the Florida panhandle to the mouth of the Mississippi River. A storm surge watch was also issued.

Connect Rocket

During the monthly test, everyone gets a phone call, 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!

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!