1. Plans, develops and oversees administrative direction of the Fire Department to ensure safe and efficient operation in carrying out services as determined by the Board of Trustees; establishes standards for performance and safety; ensures that adequate number of qualified personnel are available, trained and properly supervised to fulfill overall responsibilities of the department.
2. Oversees and administers Fire Department activities and functions including recruiting on-call fire fighters to ensure the availability of appropriate fire fighters on the staff; ensures fire fighting force has been provided with appropriate equipment, training, supervision and support to serve Township at the highest possible level.
3. Prepares and administers Fire Department’s annual budget; monitors budget to ensure adherence to budgetary control; oversees personnel administration function within the department including reviewing time sheets/run sheets, and preparing stipend report.
4. Develops long range plans for maintaining effective operations of department; researches, evaluates and recommends acquisition of facilities, fire fighting equipment and supplies; reviews vendors invoices and other bills for purchases of supplies and equipment.
5. Oversees organization, development and scheduling of effective training programs for fire fighters.
6. Responds to fire and medical/rescue calls as necessary and assumes scene command when appropriate; may assist Township in responding to emergency situations.
7. Conducts and/or participates in various department and Township meetings; also represents Township on various Fire Chief/Fire Department committees at State and local level.
8. Represents Fire Department in meeting the public and public speaking engagements.
9. Attends special technical training sessions to maintain and/or enhance knowledge of fire fighting techniques, methodologies, and management skills.
10. Performs other duties and responsibilities as directed by the Township Manager and Board of Trustees.
Meet Our
Township Fire Chief
Austin Conway
Dafter, MI 49724-0014 | Fire Chief: 248-459-7411 | dafterfirechief@gmail.com
Biography
Chief Conway is the Emergency Preparedness, Life Safety & Security Manager at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault. Chief Conway oversees all Emergency Management and Environment of Care activities for MyMichigan Medical Center Sault - a level 3 trauma center/hospital and network of over 10 specialty centers and physician practices spanning multiple counties. He is a certified Professional Emergency Manager by the Michigan State Police. Chief Conway holds extensive emergency management and hazardous materials technician certifications. Chief Conway has been licensed and nationally certified as an Emergency Medical Technician since 2015. Additionally, he is a Firefighter, Fire Officer, and Instructor in various disciplines. Chief Conway holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Administration from Eastern Michigan University and an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
In giving back to the community, he currently serves on the Eastern Upper Peninsula Medical Control Authority where he serves as the Chair, Chippewa County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) where he serves as the Chair, United States Coast Guard Sault Region American Maritime Security Committee, United States Attorney's Office Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC), and the Chippewa County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Committee. Highlighted qualifications of Chief Conway include: -Certified Professional Emergency Manager (PEM) -Licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) -Certified NFPA Hazmat Technician -Certified NFPA Firefighter 1&2 -Certified NFPA Fire Officer 1&2 -Certified Law Enforcement Background Investigator -Hospital Emergency Response Team (HERT) FEMA CDP Instructor
What Can I Burn
- Leaves, grass, limbs, brush, stumps and evergreen needles.
- Household paper materials that do not contain plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals or hazardous materials. These must be burned in a covered metal or masonry container with openings no larger than ¾ inches.
- Note: If you’re conducting a prescribed burn or burning to clear land for construction or road maintenance, you must obtain a burn permit from a local DNR fire manager.
Volunteer Opportunities
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Are you looking to develop your career as a firefighter? Are you new to the area with firefighting experience elsewhere and interested in serving your new community? Are you a retired firefighter who is interested in giving back on a volunteer on-call basis? Are you looking to give back to your community?
The Dafter Township Fire Department is looking for dedicated public safety personnel who want to serve the community. We welcome experienced candidates as well as new academy graduates who are looking to gain real-world experience as part of their overall career development . We also welcome candidates without firefighter training willing to attend a Michigan Firefighter 1&2 Academy.