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Cascade fire chief reports faster-than-target response times, ISO rating improvement
Summary
Fire Chief Majors told the board the department averaged a 5 minute, 33 second response time in 2024, handled 2,550 incidents (up 4.3%), increased training hours and will move to an ISO Class 3 rating April 1; the board praised staff and asked operational questions about gear and mutual aid.
Cascade Charter Township Fire Chief Majors presented the department's 2024 annual report and highlighted several operational improvements and upcoming priorities. "We averaged 5 minutes 33 seconds" from 911 call to firefighter on scene, he said, below the department's six-minute goal. The department logged 2,550 incidents last year, a 4.3% increase over 2023, and recorded 6,520 total training hours.
Majors told trustees the department's move back into Station 1 reduced response times and that mutual-aid exchanges remain part of normal operations (80 calls for service provided to neighboring jurisdictions and 48 received). He said the department will achieve an improved Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating: "On Tuesday, April 1, we go down to a 3," a change officials said could lower homeowners' insurance rates.
The chief outlined 2025 priorities including delivery and upfit of Engine 2 (board-approved two years earlier for ~$950,000), implementation of a deputy chief position, a department-specific NFPA 1500 safety and compliance program, a turnout-gear replacement and reimbursement program, and a conceptual plan for remodeling Station 2. Majors also said the department sent four firefighters to a live-fire instructor course to bolster training capacity.
Trustees asked clarifying operational questions: how often gear is sent for third-party inspection (Chief: annually and after contaminated calls) and whether athletic-trainer equipment remains adequate (Chief: a $62,000 grant previously funded equipment at both stations). Board members praised staff, with one saying Majors and his team "represent the best of this township." The presentation closed with no formal action required; trustees invited further follow-up during manager and board comments.
