A Michigan non-profit is offering a free special hunt for disabled first responders. Current or former first responders with a physical disability that is preventing them from going hunting are encouraged to apply to participate in the First Responders Hunt, organized by Hunt 2 Heal.
Message from the Executive Director
Staying safe during COVID-19
By Fred Timpner, MAFF Executive Director
This country is facing a state of emergency like no previous generations of Americans have ever faced before. It is 
not the time for politics, blame or recriminations. If one wants to engage in that sort of thing, there will be plenty of time for that later. Now is the time that we all should band together to support the effort to combat this insidious disease.
As first responders and public employees, the very nature of our professions puts us in the forefront of the battle against the spread of COVID-19. Our work puts us in high risk of being exposed, if not infected with the virus.
As such we are advising everyone to put your safety and that of your family first. We are insisting for those of us who continue to work, the Employer provide the appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) recommended by the CDC and the medical profession. In other words, N95 or greater masks, disinfectant etc.
If the Employer balks at issuing appropriate PPE or refuses to follow CDC guidelines, then please notify your labor representative immediately so that we may bring pressure to force the Employer to comply. After all, isn’t it to their advantage to see to it that we are protected? We are of no use if we become sick or infected. We then become spreaders of the virus infecting others we come into contact with, including our Employer, co-workers and members of the public.
Get your nominations in today for MAPE Employee of Year, deadline is Oct. 1
If you know a MAFF member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty during the past year, now is the time to
recognize them.
MAFF members are encouraged to nominate fellow Union members for the 2023 MAFF Fire Fighter of the Year Award before the Oct. 1, 2023 deadline. Nominees who have displayed extraordinary service between Sept. 1, 2022 and Sept. 1, 2023 are eligible.
The Fire Fighter selected to receive this award will be honored at the MAP Annual Holiday Open House in December.
Please click here for the MAFF Fire Fighter of the Year Nomination Form.
Detroit Pistons offer MAFF members special First Responders Night packages, chance to raise funds for scholarships
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
MAFF members and their families and friends are encouraged to take advantage of Special First Responders Packages for the Detroit Pistons First Responders Night games Nov. 20 and Nov. 27, 2023. Help MAFF reach their goal of at least 50 ticket sales to help fund Carl Parsell Scholarships!
The Pistons will donate $5 per ticket to MAFF with a minimum of 50 tickets sold. Once 100 tickets are sold, the Pistons
will donate an additional $500 to MAFF. All ticket sales donations will be used to help fund future Carl Parsell Scholarships, which are awarded annually during the Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing.
The Monday night games begin at 7 p.m. with tickets starting at $25 for the Nov. 20 game against the Denver Nuggets. Discount packages start at $24 for the Nov. 27 game against the Washington Wizards. Packages include: participation in a post-game free throw on the court, a First Responders Salute Hat for every ticket holder, and a First Responders 3rd Edition Challenge Coin (only for First Responders).
Group seating is available for 10 or more by contacting Andy Myers, Pistons Group Sales Executive, at
Click here for the event flyer.
Spots are limited! Visit PISTONS.COM/MAFF to secure your tickets today.
MAFF-represented fire departments host free fire safety events
MAFF-represented fire departments are joining the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in celebrating National Fire Prevention Week. The theme this year is “Cooking safety starts with YOU.” Several area departments are hosting events during September and October in honor of National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 8-14, 2023. Fire Prevention Week is observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which Oct. 9 falls to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of Oct. 8-9, 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. Visit the National Fire Protection Association website for fire safety prevention tips and materials.
Departments hosting Fire Prevention public events include:
- Augusta Charter Township Fire Department Fire Safety Presentations
Time: Year-Round
Location: Area schools on request anytime.
Contact: Public Education Manager Brian Howell at (734) 461-9500.
By request, firefighters will provide fire safety presentations to area schools and work with area Boy and Girl Scout troops to help them obtain their merit badges in fire safety. - Augusta Charter Township Fire Department Open House
Time: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023
Location: New Fire Station, 10093 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48191
Contact: (734) 461-9500
Huron Valley Ambulance and fire trucks on display. H.A.R.T. rehab mobile unit, which assists firefighters on the scene, and the Red Cross will be there with equipment including extrication tools. Children can make their way through a smoke house and visit the knock down area where they can use the fire hose. The event will feature hot dogs and chips and handouts for the kids as well as stickers and prizes. - Bedford Township Fire Department Open House
Time: 9 to11 a.m. Oct. 14, 2023
Location: Bedford Township Fire Training Facilty, 8100 Jackman Rd., Temperance, MI 48182
Contact: (734) 847-2359
Firefighters will provide a smoke house to help teach children how to get out of a house on fire, demonstrate a vehicle extrication, have fire equipment on display, and provide fire safety talks and handouts and answer questions.
Governor delivers 'What's Next Address' to state legislators, leaders
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her What’s Next Address to state legislators and leaders, outlining priorities for the fall.
Her address focused on public safety, strong unions, health care, economic growth with new businesses and jobs, environmental protections, clean energy, safe roads, affordable housing, paid family and medical leave, election security and streamlining the permitting process for advanced manufacturing, housing and more.
Since taking office, the Governor and legislature have provided strong economic growth to help anyone ‘make it’ in Michigan. Michigan has added 63,000 jobs year over year; the unemployment rate is 3.6 percent, the lowest rate in 23 years; and the state has won 16,000 jobs and secured $16 billion of investment with economic development tools that bring manufacturing and supply chains home from China. Whitmer is focused on continuing to grow the economy and create jobs to make Michigan more competitive, improve energy efficiency, expand opportunity, and protect people’s fundamental rights.
New MAFF Labor Specialist is known for his dedication, outstanding service to members
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
Retired Waterford Township Police Sgt. Chris Belling received the inaugural Richard C. Heins Outstanding Service Award in 2019 for exceptional representation of his Local MAP unit. Now he’s sharing that expertize with all Union members.
Belling was hired as a MAFF Labor Relations Specialist in July 2023. The Road Patrol Sergeant retired from Waterford PD in 2020, after spending most of his law enforcement career as a MAP member and a decade serving in various roles on the Local Union Board.
“Pretty much my whole career I was a MAP member, definitely, 20 of the 21 years,” he said.
Belling started representing co-workers as a Local Union Steward for Waterford Township Police Officers Association. He was voted onto the board as Secretary and ran unopposed in subsequent elections, serving as Local Vice President and President.
“I was Vice President for four years and then I became President until I got promoted to Sergeant at the beginning of 2020, just prior to retiring,” Belling said. “And that’s when I went into a different union for Command.”
Belling is known for his honesty, integrity and dedication to the Union, coming into work after hours and on days off to handle negotiations and other Union business. Nicknamed Triple B “By the Book Belling,” by members, he was known for following rules and procedures and holding himself, coworkers and supervisors to the same standard.
“During my time as a board member with Waterford PD, I negotiated several contracts or assisted with negotiating several contracts with Waterford Patrol Union. I also was involved in several discipline hearings and grievances that had been filed,” Belling said. “I always liked to be involved in the Union. For one, I wanted to be involved in contract negotiations, but I also have a pretty high standard of ethics and honesty and I wanted to make sure my coworkers, when being disciplined, were being treated fairly and their rights weren’t violated as Employees.”
$14 million in EMS grants awarded to 400 paramedic students for tuition, wage assistance
In response to the critical shortage of EMS personnel, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has awarded EMS grants totaling $14 million to expand workforce development training programs through scholarships and grants for students.
“MDHHS is providing solutions to the shortage of EMS workers in the state,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “While partnering with industry stakeholders to solve this immediate problem, we are also proactively ensuring this critical field is an attractive option for Michigan residents interested in pursuing a career in EMS. We are committed to addressing the EMS shortage by providing tuition assistance, outreach and education across the state.”
Prior to August, MDHHS awarded 37 grants totaling $8 million to support more than 400 paramedical students through tuition and wage assistance as well as mileage reimbursement, tutoring services and childcare assistance. Financial support will be provided for students until training is complete.
By the first week of August, 23 additional grant recipients were chosen to receive funding of more than $6 million. There is the potential for an additional $2 million to be awarded in the coming weeks. Michigan recipients are from municipal agencies, community colleges, private EMS agencies and proprietary education programs. Grants ranged from $80,000 to $350,000 and include initiatives to support students, increase enrollment and interest in EMS as a career.
Non-profit offers free hunting weekend for physically disabled First Responders
Safari Club Mid-Michigan Chapter is hosting the free weekend for physically disabled first responders, which
includes lodging and meals. Prospective participants may apply for one of five hunting weekends planned from September to December 2023.
Hunt 2 Heal provides outdoor hunting for individuals with disabilities to experience the outdoors at no cost and without worry. The dedicated barrier-free lodge and 640-acre property in Bitely, Michigan (near Big Rapids) has been designed for people with physical disabilities. Specially designed hunting blinds with groomed trails and assistance from skilled guides allow for “any type of wheelchair or adaptive equipment,” according to the Hunt 2 Heal press release.
Click here for more information in the Hunt 2 Heal Flyer.
To submit your application and for more details, visit Hunt 2 Heal’s website or connect with Hunt 2 Heal on Facebook.
Gov. Whitmer signs traffic reduction, park safety legislation helping first responders improve public safety
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed three bipartisan bills into law assisting first responders by enabling them to better protect the public. SB 125 and HB 4153 address rail grade separation by providing communities an opportunity to obtain grant funding to build overpasses and underpasses to go around railroad crossings and SB 59 expands the peace officer definition to include DNR conservation officers.
“Rail grade separation will keep drivers safe on local roads and alleviate backed up traffic at rail crossings, especially in the Downriver area,” Gov. Whitmer said. “… Offering conservation officers the same authority as other law enforcement will help them keep people facing mental health crises safe and protect our parks.”
Senate Bill 125, sponsored by state Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), and House Bill 4153, sponsored by state Rep. Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte), authorizes the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to create a local grade separation grant program and fund. The fund can be used by local communities to build overpasses and underpasses, separating vehicle traffic from railroad traffic. Delays caused by trains can slow down the flow of traffic and represent a safety hazard for cars and pedestrians. This legislation offers communities with rail crossings resources to improve traffic flow, reduce delays, and save lives.
“Grade separations are critical to public safety,” said Woodhaven Mayor Patricia Odette. “The City of Woodhaven has experienced first-hand the impact blocked railroad crossings have to the safety of our residents. When fire and police are detoured, those lost minutes are critical to the outcome for the person waiting on the other side of the train. We appreciate Governor Whitmer, Senator Darrin Camilleri, Representative Jamie Thompson and all the legislators that made this grade separation grant fund possible.”
“I’ve been talking about Downriver’s train problem to anyone who would listen since I first took office, and it’s because I knew we could do more to solve it,” said Camilleri, who first introduced his statewide grade separation program legislation in 2017. “With this historic legislation, we will have a pathway to building more bridges at the most problematic rail crossings across our state and address some of our most critical transportation, public safety, and economic development issues.”
Register now to attend free MAFF Seminars, Trainings in-person or via Zoom
MAFF Stewards and Local Executive Board Members can stay up-to-date on key labor relations issues by registering today for free summer and fall MAFF Seminars and Trainings.
The Seminars and Trainings will be conducted by MAFF Executive Director Fred Timpner and Assistant Executive Director Jerald James. Members may attend in-person or join via Zoom. Zoom attendees will receive an invite link to participate.
The Friday Seminars and Trainings are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MAFF Office. Lunch will be served.
Expand your knowledge about these Union-related topics on the following dates:
- Union Steward Training – July 21 & Oct. 20, 2023
- Grievance Seminars – Discipline & Contract Interpretation – Aug. 18 & Nov. 17, 2023
- Collective Bargaining Training – Sept. 15, 2023
Please contact Julie Palmquist at (248) 509-7160, Ext. 231 or email her at
2023 Carl Parsell Scholars share passion for careers, helping others
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
2023 Carl Parsell Scholarship recipients Nolan Campbell of Shelby Township and Marisa Fisher of Sterling Heights share a passion for their future careers. Now they each have $2,500 in scholarship funding to help them achieve those dreams.
While they are at different points in their educational journey, Fisher, a Central Michigan University junior, and Campbell, who graduated high school in May, began preparing for their careers in high school and enjoy helping others in their communities and schools. Both have earned honors for academic excellence.
The two were formally recognized at the 33rd Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing on June 8, 2023 at Links of Novi.
The Carl Parsell Scholarship Fund, established in 1991, continues the legacy of Carl Parsell, a law enforcement union movement pioneer, by improving the lives and futures of others through education. Scholarships are awarded annually to Michigan family members of Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF), Michigan Association of Police (MAP) and Michigan Association of Public Employees (MAPE) union members.
Since the fund's inception, $143,000 in scholarships have been awarded. Scholarship funds are derived from the Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing.
Carl Parsell Scholar, son of law enforcement officers, plans career in cyber security
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
Carl Parsell Scholarship recipient Nolan Campbell of Shelby Township has not one, but two parents in law enforcement and he also has aspirations of helping others through his own career.
“Like Carl Parsell, I want to help defend the rights of others,” Campbell wrote in his 2023 Carl Parsell Scholarship application. “I plan to attend Grand Valley State University and study Computer Science with a focus in Cyber Security.”
Campbell, 17, is the stepson of MAP member Heather Marie Campbell, a St. Clair Shores Police Sergeant. He is the son of Monica Harvey of Shelby Township and Martin Campbell of Macomb, who retired as an Eastpointe Police Lieutenant in 2022 after 26 years of service.
His $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarship will help him focus more on his studies and worry less about the cost.
"This scholarship will help me achieve my dream to attend college,” he wrote. “If chosen, I will be able to take more classes at a time and to have more time to continue my involvement to support my community.”
He’s already done an excellent job of preparing to be successful in his pursuits, completing three computer science courses in high school. He graduated summa cum laude with a 3.75 GPA from Stoney Creek High School in Rochester Hills in May 2023 and received a 1220 on his SAT.
Campbell was a National Honor Society member during his junior and senior years. Through the National Honor Society, he participated in food drives for local charities and the Caleb White Project, collecting and delivering furniture and other houseware items, and painting and making repairs to complete housing projects in Detroit for homeless veterans.
- Carl Parsell Scholarship helps CMU student expand her higher education
- 33rd Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing
- Fire Fighting Union sues National Fire Protection Association over PFAs in turnout gear
- MAFF staff firefighting experience, strong reputation key for Grand Blanc Twp. Part-Time Firefighters
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