Fire Operations

Telephone: (989) 759-1376

The City of Saginaw has four fire stations that are located at:

  • Central Station, 801 Federal Ave.
  • Fordney Park Station, 1305 Gratiot St.
  • Hess Street Station, 1602 Hess St.
  • State Street Station, 2208 State St.

The Emergency Response Division serves the community during emergency situations that may pose a threat of injury, loss of life or serious damage to property.

In addition to fire suppression, the division provides a emergency medical service, rescue and extrication, mitigation of hazardous material incidents, command structure at major disasters, immediate response to all areas within its jurisdiction and promotes community fire awareness when participating in school programs and annual pre-incident surveys.

In 1998, the department responded to nearly 7,000 calls which is approximately one emergency incident every hour of every day.

Wesley Kaster - Battalion Chief

Wes was born and raised in Saginaw, then graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1979.  Joined the Marines in 1980 for four years. Oorah!  After working various jobs he joined the department in Jan 1990.  Promotions include Chauffeur, Lieutenant, Captain, and now Battalion Chief for shift-A in the fire suppression division.  Wes oversees the departments fleet maintenance program and chairs the apparatus specification committee.
He serves on various committees and is a member of the hazardous materials and confined space teams as well as the regional response team.  Wes has also served as the Civil service representative, Vice President, and President for IAFF L-102.

Tyrone Harge - Battalion Chief

A native of Highland Park, Michigan, Tyrone joined the Saginaw Fire Department in February of 1985.  He was promoted to Battalion Chief in May 2011 and is currently in charge of B-Shift fire suppression.  He is a currently certified as a Branch Safety Officer of the Hazardous Material team. His other duties include overseeing building and grounds maintenance for all Fire stations, point of contact for technology maintenance/acquisition and maintain City Communication Center and Communication equipment.  He’s a member of the Awards and SOG committees, a former President of the Saginaw Employee Labor Management Team and current Chairman of the Saginaw Employee Recycling Initiative. Tyrone was awarded the title of “Firefighter of the Year” in 1997. 

Christopher Van Loo - Battalion Chief

Christopher Van Loo joined the Saginaw Fire Department in August of 1990.  He was promoted to Battalion Chief in January of 2008.  He is currently assigned to C-Shift in charge of fire suppression.  He is a member of the hazardous materials and confined space rescue teams and is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician.  Christopher holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Delta College and has attended the National Fire Academy.  He serves on numerous committees and oversees the department’s firefighting equipment program.  During his tenure, he has received a Meritorious Service award, a Distinguished Service award, a Chief’s Special Recognition award, and three Unit Citations.

 

©2012 City of Saginaw