10/28/2025
What’s happening in Grand Blanc is shameful and shouldn’t be tolerated. To attempt to discipline a fire chief over speaking out about the dangers of current operations and staffing levels is not only petty, it undermines what the role of the fire chief should be, and that’s to protect the citizens and provide the best coverage possible. Understaffing in our state is a widespread issue and chiefs who stand up for what’s right are few and far between and should be celebrated not terminated. Fire departments in Michigan operate with 50% of the daily staffing compared to our surrounding states but are in the top 25% of calls nationwide. From Muskegon to Ypsilanti, we consistently are forced to do more with less. Why in our department, a department of 21 members is it acceptable to have a 4 firefighters minimum? Why is 2 firefighters responding to life threatening emergencies on an apparatus acceptable? These are the things Chief Jent wanted to correct and though we’re plagued with the same issues, we applaud Chief Jent and support Grand Blanc Professional Firefighters Local 4962 as they work to provide the safest environment for firefighters and residents.
On October 14, 2025, our Union board sent a letter to Township board members requesting individual meetings to discuss the daily operations of our fire department and the challenges we face—specifically inadequate staffing and its impact on firefighter and community safety.
We received one response from Supervisor Bennett, who stated that management has the right to operate as it deems necessary and that all communications should go through the Fire Chief and Superintendent. While we know the Chief has spoken with both Dennis Liimatta and Scott Bennett about staffing concerns, we believed the Township board deserved to hear directly from us. As Union board members, we have the right to communicate with our elected officials.
Following this, the Superintendent requested a meeting with the Chief to determine if any policies had been violated. Shortly afterward, Chief Jent was placed on administrative leave without explanation.
As Chief Jent told journalist Dave Bondy:
“I will not be coerced into illegally interfering with the Union’s federally protected rights… I cannot and will not violate federal labor law.”
We commend Chief Jent for refusing to retaliate against protected Union activity and question the reasoning in the Township’s memo, which lacks substance and objectivity. Chief Jent has consistently advocated for operational improvements—improvements the Union also supports. These are shared interests.
Notably, four full-time firefighter positions were cut from the proposed 2026 budget just weeks before the LDS active shooter and fire incident—cuts made by the Superintendent, not the Chief.
The timing raises serious concerns about retaliation, accountability, and the Township’s commitment to public and firefighter safety. We stand with Chief Jent.
October 14, 2025
To the Honorable Members of the Grand Blanc Township Board,
On behalf of the Grand Blanc Township Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 4962, I am writing to express our growing concern regarding the staffing levels and operational capacity of the Grand Blanc Township Fire Department. The current model under which our department operates is not adequately meeting the demands of our community or the safety needs of both our residents and our firefighters.
The Firefighters of IAFF Local 4962 take great pride in serving this community. However, our ability to deliver the level of service that Grand Blanc Township deserves is being compromised by insufficient staffing, increasing call volume, and the complexity of emergency responses. These challenges place both the public and our personnel at risk, and we believe this issue demands immediate attention and collaborative action.
Fire Chief Jent has consistently raised these concerns and has our full support. Unfortunately, the necessary changes have not been realized, leaving the department stretched thin and our community vulnerable. The safety of Grand Blanc Township must be a top priority, and that begins with ensuring a fire department that is properly staffed, supported, and equipped to meet its mission.
We respectfully request the opportunity to meet with you to discuss these critical issues in detail and to work together toward meaningful solutions. IAFF Local 4962 remains committed to open, constructive dialogue and partnership with the Township Board to secure a safer and stronger future for our community.
Please feel free to contact me directly at (###) ###- ###x or by email to arrange a meeting at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time, attention, and commitment to the safety of Grand Blanc Township.
Respectfully,
Jeremy Oxford
President, IAFF Local 4962
