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Sterling Heights fire chief highlights EMS reforms, GMET supplemental revenue and push for accreditation
Summary
Fire leadership described a BLS peak ambulance program and mobile integrated health strategies that reduced fire apparatus responses during peak hours, said a GMET Medicaid supplement could generate about $1 million annually when fully implemented, and outlined a multi‑year accreditation effort for fire and public works.
Fire Department leaders told the Sterling Heights City Council that recent operational changes are easing pressure on emergency services and carving a path toward higher professional standards.
"The peak ambulance program started by analyzing our data to better understand the how and the why," the fire chief said, describing a BLS peak ambulance program that began operation in October 2025 and has decreased fire apparatus responses during peak hours. The department has also implemented medical priority dispatch and a mobile integrated health position to focus on high‑use EMS callers and to connect residents with services.
Fire Marshal Tracy Davis said the prevention division performed 9,399 inspections over 52 months and will pilot video reinspections for limited follow‑up items under NFPA guidelines: "Video reinspections or VRI would be used in a narrow and practical way," Davis said, emphasizing that initial inspections and witness testing will remain in person.
On funding, the chief described the GMET supplemental payment program, saying the city is expected to receive "around $1,000,000 dollars annually once this program…fully implemented," but he cautioned the timeline depends on state and CMS approvals and provider training schedules. Administration reported the Michigan Medicaid actuary division sees no reason the program would not be approved and that provider training is expected to start in June with fee‑for‑service payments beginning in 2027 and managed‑care supplemental funding later.
The department is also pursuing formal accreditation and requested modest initial funding in the budget to support the process. Administration said accreditation activities were budgeted in the coming cycle to keep momentum on multi‑year efforts across fire and public works.
Council members praised the recruitment outreach to high schools and asked that ongoing accreditation and apparatus purchase plans consider cost controls and inter‑community cooperation. The department said large apparatus purchases are often procured through cooperative contracts to reduce costs.
Next steps: staff will continue the GMET working group, support provider training, and return with implementation timetables and any material changes to projected supplemental revenue.
