1. Are all firefighters paramedics?
All firefighters in Meridian Township are paramedics. The Township began its paramedic service in 1980 and requires all applicants to be licensed paramedics.
2. What is a firefighter’s work schedule?
Meridian firefighters provide professional fire, rescue, and emergency medical response 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To provide this continuous coverage, each firefighter works two alternating 24-hour shifts and then has three days off. An example of this would be a firefighter who works Sunday has Monday off, works Tuesday, then the next shift would be Saturday, and the cycle starts again. The firefighters work 50.4 hours a week. Firefighters sleep in the stations to facilitate a fast response.
3. How many firefighters are on duty each day?
The number varies from 7 to as many as 10, depending on scheduling, with 7 being the minimum for the day. Additionally, four people work in fire administration, providing departmental command, fire and EMS training, and fire prevention and code enforcement.
4. What do firefighters do while waiting to respond to calls?
The firefighters' duties are varied and include activities such as pre-incident surveys of local buildings, fire prevention/public education programs, station tours, equipment and station maintenance, and ongoing training in fire, EMS, and specialized rescue services.
5. Why do I sometimes see firefighters at the grocery store?
Firefighters work a 24-hour shift and stay together to respond as a team. They will eat two meals together and must prepare meals at their "home away from home". By shopping together, they remain ready to respond as a team.
6. Why do I sometimes see an East Lansing engine or ambulance in Meridian Township?
Meridian has mutual aid agreements with surrounding areas to provide fire or paramedic service if Meridian units are busy with calls. We also have automatic aid with East Lansing for all structure fires in Meridian Township and East Lansing.
7. Why do I sometimes see fire units parked together, but there doesn't seem to be an emergency?
Training is a crucial component of a firefighter's job. Firefighting is a hands-on profession. The more realistic the training, the better prepared the firefighter will be to handle real-life situations. Often, the units will be stationed at a vacant building to conduct a drill or practice session, allowing for the use of ladders, saws, hoses, or other specialized equipment. It is essential when you see fire units training or responding to the "real thing" to approach slowly and carefully. Try not to be too interested in what's going on, as this may cause traffic congestion and lead to accidents.
8. How do I get a copy of a report?
Anyone interested in a report can contact the department's non-emergency line at 517.853.4700. Be prepared to give the date, approximate time, and address of the incident. Ambulance reports require specific authorization for release due to HIPAA laws. There is a fee for reports.
9. Does MTFD offer fire safety programs for kids?
Yes! However, they can only be done in response to emergency calls. Please call the department's non-emergency line at 517.853.4700 to make arrangements. Advance notice is always recommended. While we are happy to add you to our schedule, please remember that we cannot guarantee our availability. Emergencies always take precedence because they are the primary reason we are here. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
