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Kent County Fire Commission elects 2026 leaders, approves pumper rotation and $216,000 Alpine contribution
Summary
At its Jan. 16 meeting, the Kent County Fire Commission elected Jim Morris chair and Walter Bujak vice chair, approved the pumper replacement rotation and recommended a $216,000 contribution for a 2028 Alpine apparatus (subject to County Board budget approval), and approved an apparatus acquisition action request amid discussion of higher insurance costs.
The Kent County Fire Commission on Jan. 16 elected Jim Morris as chair and Walter Bujak as vice chair and approved its 2026 business agenda, including a pumper replacement rotation and a recommended contribution for an Alpine apparatus.
The actions came during the commission’s regular meeting at the Kent/MSU Cooperative Extension in Grand Rapids. The board voted unanimously to appoint Morris and Bujak following motions by Commissioner Steve McKellar and support from other members.
The commission approved financial reports and heard that the Rockford apparatus is fully encumbered with one change order outstanding. "The insurance cost has increased due to the increased value of the trucks and collision coverage rates increased," Kent County Purchasing representative Joni Laming said, adding that the program remains under budget despite the roughly $17,000 increase in the insurance invoice. Commissioners discussed obtaining multiple insurance quotes to ensure competitive rates; some members recommended waiting until next year before making any changes.
On equipment planning, the board accepted the pumper replacement rotation included in the agenda packet, which remains the same as last year. The commission also approved a recommendation that the county contribute $216,000 toward a 2028 Alpine apparatus, subject to Kent County Board of Commissioners budget approval. The pumper rotation and contribution recommendation passed unanimously on a motion by Robin Halsted, supported by Julius Suchy.
The board read and approved an action request related to a member apparatus acquisition (Exhibit E); that motion passed unanimously (moved by Suchy, supported by Blough). During discussion, Chair Jim Morris noted tightening budgets and suggested the commission seek guarantees from member departments where appropriate.
Administrative items included distribution of updated insurance certificates, an annual maintenance certification form that members must return to Kent County Purchasing before the fiscal year ends in October, and an update that apparatus delivery estimates remain on schedule though Rockford has not yet been given an exact delivery date. Fleet supervisor Eric Rubritius explained that four metal door handles on an Alpine unit were replaced with plastic handles by an Alpine firefighter-mechanic because the metal parts had been damaged by road grit over time.
Board members closed with brief remarks. Mr. Blough asked about potential changes related to Sand Lake Fire; Ms. Laming said the county is awaiting an outcome and reviewing the member contract and clarified how assessments would be handled if the department’s service area changed.
The commission set its next meeting for Friday, May 15, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the Caledonia Fire Department. The meeting adjourned at 8:49 a.m.
