Prior to 1962, the village of Lake did not have an in—village fire
department. The residents relied on manpower from The Farwell Fire
Department, at a cost of $100.00 per year; this was called Fire
Protection.

During the months of January and April 1962, subsequent meetings
were held with the Twp. board and what was known as a Fire Committee;
made up of community members. The meetings were held to form a fire
dept. for our township. The Fire Committee was responsible in acquiring
all the information there was to start such a venture. A fire truck,
equipment and equipment for the volunteers had to be researched and
purchased and the volunteers had to be trained for the task.

On April 18, 1962 there was an organizational meeting of the
volunteer fire dept. By—laws were drawn up and the dept. came to be
known as The Garfield Township Volunteer Fire Department.

The initial members were:
Jim Ankney — Fire Chief                 Bob Priest — Asst. Chief
Elmer Hudson— Captain             Wilbur McLane—Secretary/Treasurer
William Bratt                                         Neil Watkins
Arnold Shilling                                     Mike Pavelka
Delmer Scott                                     George Grahm
Bob Streeter                                     Norman Bauer
and Paul Marquedant

On May 17, 1962 six of these firemen were sent to Lansing, MI to
attend Fire School. On June 14, 1962 the firemen were measured for the
departments first gear. In 1962 the coats cost $15.75 each, boots were
$18.00 and helmets with liners were $12.00 each. Today the cost is
subsequently higher. Coats/bunkers (turnout gear) is $859.00 each, boots
are $95.00, helmets $110.00, gloves $27.95 and for safety/visibility at
an accident; yellow jumpsuits had been purchased at $110.00 each. The
difference between today's turn—out gear and that of 1962, both in cost
and quality is unbelievable. However, gear, equipment, training and the
firefighters themselves must comply stringently with Federal and State
safety guidelines. Improvements are being made all the time, the cost is
minimal when it comes to the safety of these people who at times put
themselves out there for their community.

On July 30, 1962 the Twp. board, after checking on a truck in
Copac, MI voted unanimously to purchase the 1947 International K6 at a
cost of $3500.00 equipped. On October 9, 1962, the Garfield Township
Volunteer Fire Department received it’ s first engine and was well on
their way to being independent of another townships dept. Of course, our
township and all surrounding townships still rely on assistance from
each other at a moments notice.

Over the years, the name of the dept. has changed and a vital
service was instilled. . . First Responder, Rescue. A service to get help
to the community quickly while waiting for an ambulance. Those minutes
can feel like hours when waiting for help from Farwell or dare, but
with the First Responders; the wait is much less.

In July of 1999 the unthinkable happened! The “tones” went off for
a fire run. The shock couldn’t be imagined as the first firefighters
responding to the hall realized it was their hail in flames. Throughout
the early hours; sadness and helplessness could be felt. And as the
hours turned into days and the word ‘arson’ was uttered; disbelief and
disgust were felt the most. Disbelief and disgust that anyone could do
that to the dept., the township and the community as a whole.

Ten months have gone by, with the help of our community, and
surrounding townships; the dept. has become stronger than ever. Not so
much in the materials of the new hall but with the firefighters
themselves. Like 1962, they have worked hard to rebuild and re—equip
this department; they have worked hard together. And in 38 years, let’s
hope the dept. of the future has this same bond, strength and community
support to see them through any adversity.