By Mark Constance
HIGGINS LAKE – The Gerrish Township Fire / EMS Department has welcomed a new leader.
Kristi Gilliam, an 18-year veteran of the department, was officially named fire chief during the township’s Feb. 11 meeting, succeeding Jim Fischer, who retired after seven years in the role. Brandon Rogers is expected to continue serving as assistant chief.
Gilliam expressed gratitude and excitement about her new position.
“It feels very surreal right now,” she said. “This is something I’ve always aspired to, but I never thought I’d have the opportunity. It’s a goal I’ve worked toward my entire career.”
Gilliam and her family, including her son Brenden, a senior at Roscommon High School, relocated to the Higgins Lake area from Livonia in 2006. Before the move, she gained experience working with both fire and EMS units.
The Gerrish Township Fire Department, established in 1949, was formed after the Roscommon Village Council informed the township that its fire department would no longer provide service in Gerrish Township after May 31 of that year. This led the township board to create its own department.
Looking ahead, Gilliam identified recruitment and retention as critical to the department’s success. Currently, the Gerrish Township Fire Department has seven full-time slots and 12 paid on-call members.
“We definitely need more people,” she said. “We’d also like to see the community more involved in the department’s activities.”
While Gilliam is focused on assessing the department’s needs, one issue is not an immediate priority—a new fire hall. Last year, township voters rejected a $12 million millage proposal to replace the current facility, which lacks adequate space and falls short of safety requirements.
“That’s something we’ll need to revisit later,” Gilliam said. “We need to regroup, gather more public input, and carefully evaluate any future project.”
Gilliam appreciates the support of the township board.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve this community,” she said. “Higgins Lake has been my home for 18 years, and I’m proud to be able to give back.”
With her leadership and vision, Gilliam is set to guide the department through challenges while strengthening its connection to the community.
- Mark Constance can be reached at mconstance@upnorthvoice.com
