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Commission modernizes fire-service language; keeps board role in chief hiring
Summary
The commission updated charter language to designate the Lansing Fire Department as the city's primary emergency medical services provider and modernized ambulance/EMS language. Commissioners debated whether the mayor or the Board of Fire Commissioners should have hiring authority for the fire chief and kept the existing hybrid process.
The Lansing Charter Commission approved Feb. 4 updated charter language to modernize references to emergency medical services and to designate the Lansing Fire Department as the city’s primary EMS provider.
Brad Geray, president of Local 421 (Lansing firefighters), proposed revising charter wording that still mentioned “inhalators” and other outdated terms. He urged language that expressly states the department “shall maintain and operate an ambulance service of advanced life support and other life‑saving and emergency services necessary for the welfare of the inhabitants of the city” and designates the Lansing Fire Department as the primary EMS provider. The commission voted to adopt the suggested modernized language.
Commissioners also debated how the charter should describe the appointment of the fire chief. The current charter language says the fire chief “shall be appointed by the mayor from candidates recommended by the Board of Fire Commissioners.” Several commissioners supported retaining board involvement as a layer of community oversight; others argued the mayor should have final hiring authority without mandatory board recommendations. After discussion, the commission left the current hybrid language in place: the mayor appoints the chief from candidates recommended by the Board of Fire Commissioners. Commissioners said they would consult with the Boards if further changes are proposed.
Commissioners additionally discussed the department’s hiring process for firefighter‑paramedics and whether procedural changes could help shorten hiring timelines; public commenters and the union urged a review so the department can compete effectively for qualified EMS personnel.
