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http://www.hometownlife.com/story/news/local/northville/2017/03/28/northville-township-honors-its-firefighters/99233198/

When you start a new tradition, sometimes you have to take a step backward and play catch-up. That's why the Northville Township Fire Department on Saturday honored not only the 2016 Firefighter of the Year but also those selected in 2013-2015.

Todd Mutchler, the township's public safety director, this year brought back the annual awards ceremonies for the police and fire departments. The police celebrated March 9, followed by March 19 ceremonies for the fire department.

Fire Chief Brent Siegel led the ceremonies, while Mutchler provided the history of fire departments around the world. In particular, he cited Benjamin Franklin saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

But the name, fire department, is actually a misnomer, Siegel said. Fires are not the only task charged to firefighters, including inspections — working with the township building department — and emergency medical services or, as described, "hospital quality care."

In 2016, the fire department has 3,138 calls for services with 146 fires and 2,485 calls for advanced life support. Other calls included responding to hazards, other types of rescues and working with other communities. In 2016, department employees also had 8,000 hours of training and 215 inspections.

The department also honored Barbara Murray, department administrative assistant and "firehouse mom," on her retirement following 13 years of service.

Firefighters of the Year

Brent Muller was honored as the newest Firefighter of the Year for 2016, as well as Fire Inspector Tom Hughes for 2015, Training Officer Jesse Marcotte for 2014 and firefighter Steven Leach for 2013.

Muller

In 2016  Muller served as a member of the department's Operations Committee and was named to the Apparatus Committee. He also received national recognition for receiving the 2016 FDIC National Scholarship. Muller attended and graduated from Eastern Michigan University’s School of Executive Fire Staff and Command Program and finished first in his class of nearly 50 students. This continued the organization’s proud history of superior academic achievement in the School of Fire Staff and Command.

Muller has "consistently sought out ways to improve both himself, the department, and the citizens that we serve. Brent also serves as a Blue Card IMS Instructor, frequently leading training and certification classes for various departments throughout Southeastern Michigan," Siegel said.

Hughes

Hughes is responsible for the creation and implementation of the department's fire prevention program. He obtained Fire Inspector I, Fire Inspector II, and Plans Examiner. He is the department's lead fire investigator and has created several other programs for the community.  "Hughes is extremely dedicated to the Fire Department and Northville community.  He exhibits professionalism in everything he is involved in," Siegel said.

Marcotte

Marcotte is responsible for the creation and implementation of the department's training program. This program ensures firefighters are proficient in all disciplines and has contributed to an extremely high level of service delivery.  Since he has held the position of Training Coordinator, he has exceeded all of fire officials' expectations. His dedication to the improvement and progression of the department through training is evident, genuine and sincere and his hard work and dedication is not limited to within the department, but outside as well, the department says. "He represents this department with class while instructing various outside classes and his knowledge and thorough preparation has impressed many others from neighboring departments, representing our department in the highest degree," Siegel said.

Leach

Leach personifies the professionalism and dedication each member of NTFD should strive to attain; he sets the standard, the department says.

In early 2013, Leach took over vehicle maintenance and he worked tirelessly to get the apparatus to a baseline operating level, often staying up late into the evening and coming in on his off days.  He is always on the phone with vendors obtaining parts or information about how to troubleshoot an issue and solves problems tenaciously.  His efforts have saved the department time and money.

In addition to taking on apparatus maintenance, he completed a paramedic class, passed the National Registry exam and became a licensed paramedic.

"Steve gets the “big picture” and never fails to offer exemplary service to the public.  He is an essential member of our organization," Siegel said.

Other awards and awardees included:

Meritorious Service Awards

Lt. Christopher Madzik; Firefighter Steven Leach; Firefighter Jason Hendrian; Training Coordinator Jesse Marcotte; Firefighter Jeffrey Sims; Firefighter Michael Obermiller.

Departmental Citation

Firefighter Jeffrey Darby

Civilian Awards

Northville Township building officials: Joe Leeson and Eric Anderson; citizen Peter D'Angelo for his help with paramedics in helping save the life of Pamela Rabus, who suffered cardiac arrest earlier this year. The quick action and pre-hospital care saved her life, fire officials said.

Life Saving Awards

Lt. Daniel Dipple; Lt. Brian Siriani; Lt. Christopher Koth; Lt. Bradley Neuhart; Lt. Philip Sutherland; Firefighter Brent Muller; Firefighter Jason Hendrian; Firefighter Hugh Jordan; Firefighter Kyle Susewitz; Firefighter Finley Molina; Firefighter Michael Mandziuk; Firefighter Arthur Spolsky; Firefighter Michael Obermiller; Firefighter William Caruso; Firefighter Christopher Kolinski; Firefighter David Micallef; Firefighter David DeSloover; Firefighter Kyle Lewis; Fire Inspector Tom Hughes; Training Officer Jesse Marcotte.

In 2012, the department studied how it handled cardiac arrests, made improvements and is now a leader in cardiac revival, Siegel said, adding that in a majority of cases, victims are revived, hospitalized and discharged with little or no deficit.