FFD retrieves a trapped kitten, adds Aaron Bartels to its roster
The Frankenmuth Fire Department responded to five calls for service last week, including a serious garage fire over the weekend (please see front page story).
At 1:43 pm Thursday, May 7, the FFD was called to assist the Frankenmuth Police Department and Saginaw County Animal Control officers in the 7000 block of Maple Road to free a trapped kitten from an attic space of residence in Frankenmuth Township.
FFD Crew Leader Jeff Weiss advised Squad 4 responded and firefighters were able to locate and retrieve the kitten, who was turned over to Animal Control. A total of 11 fire personnel reported and cleared the scene after 30 minutes.
Alarm No. 68 for 2026 took place at 11:48pm Saturday, May 9, following the garage fire as personnel were at the station cleaning up from that response.
The residential alarm drew fire personnel to the 9000 block of West Tuscola Road. FFD Captain Doug VanWormer said a telecommunications malfunction was the cause and Engine 2 was able to clear within 25 minutes. Ten firefighters traveled to the scene.
Finally, on Monday, May 11, a pair of alarms drew the FFD to a pair of assisted living facilities.
At 6:42pm, a pull station in the memory care wing was activated by a resident at MediLodge, 500 West Genesee Street. Engine 2 responded, investigated, and cleared within 15 minutes; 13 firefighters traveled to the scene.
At 8:20pm, Alarm No. 70 took place at Covenant Glenn, 1130 Covenant Drive. It was the same scenario as MediLodge, as a resident activated a pull station. Sixteen fire personnel checked the situation and cleared within 10 minutes.
In other FFD news, the department celebrated the graduation of its latest fire candidate, Aaron J. Bartels, from the Saginaw County Fire Chiefs’ Association Fire Academy.
Bartels is the son of Dave and Julie Bartels, and grandson of Jim and Rhea Bartels of Frankenmuth. Bartels completed the nearly six-month long course to become the FFD’s 35th firefighter to receive his Michigan State Certified Level 1 & 2 Firefighter.
FFD Chief Phillip Kerns acknowledged the time firefighter candidates put into class is much more than the recognized 295-hour course. Bartels is a Saginaw Valley State University graduate, earning a bachelor of science in public health and a minor in chemistry. He is currently pursuing a master of science in safety management from Oakland University.
Bartels is currently employed in Environmental, Health, and Safety with the Department of Environmental. Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). He is developing safety programs, emergency response resources, and is CPR instructor for trainings.
“While most departments are hurting for firefighters, Frankenmuth’s roster has been maintained and we thank the community for their continued support of the volunteer department, especially member’s families and local employers who continue to allow their firefighting employees leave their jobs to respond to calls,” FFD Assistant Chief Dan Schneirla said.
Eight FFD firefighters joined Birch and Bridgeport personnel at the Saginaw Fire Department Training Facility on Remington Street Saginaw City last Wednesday evening and Friday morning, May 6 and 8.
Firefighters were provided live fire instruction on flashover conditions and other interior firefighting dangers and life-saving mitigation efforts.
Tuesday evening, May 12, FFD personnel were joined by area mutual aid departments to conduct numerous training stations at acquired farm structures in the 7000 block of Flint Street, Frankenmuth Township.
Local traffic was detoured around this site as Flint Street is narrow, with little or no shoulders.
.....To read this story and other featured articles in this week's Frankenmuth News, click on the "Subscribe" tab at the left or call (989-652-3246) to begin receiving your weekly copy of the Frankenmuth News.
