Howell Area Professional Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 5546

Good morning from the Howell Area Fire Department! Local 5546!

It's a beautiful morning to kick off the final day of Balloonfest, and we hope everyone gets out and enjoys everything our community has to offer today!

We will have crews in attendance at the following locations and times!

Howell Farmers Market: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Stop by downtown to shop fresh produce, local vendors, baked goods, and more.

Balloonfest Festivities: All day with ballon launch/fly in 6-8pm tonight! Our crews will be at the balloonfest grounds between 5-10pm tonight.
Join us this evening for all the Balloonfest fun, including great food, entertainment, family activities, and, weather permitting, the beautiful hot air balloons that make this weekend so special.

If you're heading out, please be mindful of increased traffic, follow event parking signs, and help us keep everyone safe.

Have a fantastic Balloonfest Sunday, Howell! We look forward to seeing everyone out enjoying this amazing community tradition. 🚒❤️🎈

Today’s station visitor refused to leave, wouldn’t answer questions, and contributed nothing to the crew. After determining he was neither a firefighter nor a taxpayer, we relocated him back to the woods. Good luck, little guy.

Real numbers not opinions.

Local 5546 Update

We want to provide the community with some important updates regarding recent staffing and administrative changes within our department.

Last week, the department underwent significant leadership and administrative changes. In addition, our current Fire Chief will be retiring next week. We also want to welcome Interim Chief Michael Evans, former Deputy Chief of the Brighton Area Fire Authority, who started this week and will serve in the role until a permanent Chief is selected.

We are excited to work alongside Chief Evans during his time with us. He brings a strong level of knowledge, leadership, and experience in the role of a chief officer, and we look forward to the guidance and professionalism he will provide over the next few months while he is here.

We do intend to continue negotiations with Interim Chief Evans, and we are very optimistic about working toward a long-term agreement with him.

At the same time, the Fire Chief position will be posted both internally and externally so we can ensure we find the best possible fit for our department moving forward. We are committed to a transparent process that brings in strong leadership for the future.

While change like this is significant, we are looking forward to positive momentum and continued progress within the department. Our commitment remains the same: serving our community with professionalism, pride, and the highest level of care.

Thank you for your continued support.

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.

From all of us at the department, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

***THIS INCIDENT IS NOW OVER***

Your local 5546 Firefighters are on a working structure fire off Allen road in Oceola Township. Please avoid the area if possible or if its a must to travel through, use caution. Thank you

Yesterday evening, HAFD assisted Fowlerville FD on an AMA request to a commercial structure fire with Engine 21 and Ladder 20. Great teamwork by all departments involved.

🚨 FIRE CHIEF HIRING POSTING 🚨

The Howell Area Fire Authority has officially posted the Fire Chief position. Applications are due by June 10, 2026.

This leadership role oversees a combination department serving the City of Howell and surrounding townships, including operations, staffing, budgeting, and strategic direction for the Authority.

Assessment center dates and board interview information are included in the posting below. Interested candidates should review all qualifications and application requirements carefully.

Last week’s training focused on vehicle extrication basics using farm jacks, chain, and cribbing. Crews practiced safe stabilization, controlled lifts, and proper setup techniques under load. Strong fundamentals and solid teamwork throughout the drill.