Fire Chief Pushes Safety Overhaul After Grand Blanc Church Tragedy

Just over a month after the tragic shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Fire Chief Jamie Jent is calling for major changes to protect both firefighters and the community.

Deadly Tragedy Exposes Gaps

Jent, who was briefly placed on leave after raising safety concerns, returned to present a strategic plan to township trustees as part of the annual budget process. His focus was clear: faster responses, safer operations, and more trained people on every call.

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Emphasizing that better staffing saves lives, Jent also said:

Faster arrival, safer interior operations, earlier water on the fire, and an approach that recognizes search capacity.

The department currently has six full-time firefighters and is budgeted for 40 part-timers, but only 28 positions are filled. Jent warned that the shortage impacts response times and community safety.

Emotional Voices from the Community

During public comment, church member Stephanie Rossello spoke in honor of her friend who died in the September 28 attack. Wearing red in her friend’s memory, she said:

“What happened that day is not just a headline; we lived it,”

Chief Jent’s Safety Plan

Jent’s five-year plan includes adding 24/7 coverage, securing medical first responder licensure, and pursuing grant funding. But money remains the sticking point.

Funding the Fix

'My question is how the heck are we gonna pay for it,' asked Trustee Joel Feick, echoing the board’s concern over potential costs. A new millage could be one option.

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Trustees will meet again with Jent to refine the proposal before finalizing the township’s upcoming budget.