To Protect and Serve                                                           Emergency Dial   911

                           Office Administrator  Philip Frank:

                       

                            Philip Frank joined the department in 2011 after moving back to his home state of Michigan. Prior to

                         starting here, he worked in the film and television industry in New York City and California at both NBC and MTV, among

                         other companies. Most recently Phil produced and released a feature-length documentary through Warner Bros

                         Distribution. He continues to work as a freelance writer and producer outside of the Brownstown Fire Department. He

                         graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Business from the University of Toledo.


As the Office Administrator, Phil is responsible for all administrative functions, including: accounting and budget reports and analysis, FOIA and subpoena response, resident public inquiries, vendor and service-company liaising and scheduling, payroll and human resource duties, database maintenance and general support to the fire chief.  You can contact Phil at 734-955-2600 or email    info@brownstownfire-mi.org

 





                            Inspector Mark McLain:


                            Mclain started with department in September 1987 as a paid on call firefighter. He soon rose to the rank of Sergeant i                            in February 1994. In March 1995, he was appointed as full time Fire Inspector to assist then Fire Marshal Jeff Drouillard                                in the communities' fire inspections, code enforcement, fire investigations, and public education programs.McLain attended several fire service related courses, obtaining an associates degree and attending the Fire Staff & Command program held at Eastern Michigan University in Ann Arbor, Mi. It is there where he obtained valuable information and resources of fire department administration. Inspector McLain can be reached at 734-955-2600 or markmclain@brownstownfire-mi.org.



common questions

21313 Telegraph, Brownstown, MI 48183

734-955-2600     Fax  734-955-2610


Q.  Why does the Fire Engine respond along with the Ambulance to Medical Calls?

      A.   The engine may respond along with the ambulance if it is a serious emergency (heart attacks, stokes, gun shot victims)                                                 where  additional  medics may be needed at the scene or for  patient lift assistance or when the immediate response ambulance is busy on               another call and the other station ambulance is responding from a greater distance


Q.  Why do firefighters break out windows and cut holes in roofs during a fire?
      A     Firefighters ventilate smoke and superheated gases for safety and visibility. This lets firefighters to get inside the building to find and                       extinguish the fire, thereby reducing property damage. This also reduces the chances of a back draft explosion..


Q.   Why do you block traffic lanes at auto accidents -- more lanes than are necessary?
       A.    It's for the safety of our personnel and our patients. Blocking extra lanes keep our personnel safe when they go back to our apparatus to                 get more equipment, and it helps protect the victim we're trying to stabilize.


Q.  Why do firefighters get upset when you drive over fire hoses?
      A.    The fire hose is the lifeline of a firefighter when fighting a fire. If you drive over it, the hose can be damaged, and any firefighter at the                     end of a nozzle will have the water interrupted -- possibly causing injury or death.

Q.  Why do firefighters keep weeds, bushes and other items away from fire hydrants?
      A.    Firefighters keep weeds and bushes 3 feet from fire hydrants for visibility and accessibility.


Q.  How do you get a smoke detector from the Fire Department?
     A.    Visit our main headquarters office located on Sibley Road to request one or by calling our Fire Prevention Bureau at 734-955-2600.  If we                  have some available we can accommodate your request.


Q.  What number do you call for a fire inspection?
     A.     Call our Fire Administration Offices are 734-955-2600.


Q.  Why is it illegal to burn leaves and brush on my property?
      A.    Local Township Ordinance and Fire Code requirements strictly regulates and prohibits open burning outdoor without  obtaining an                          approved  permit through our offices.


Q.  Why do firefighters shop at the local grocery stores?
     A.    Firefighters work a 24-hour shift and must supply their own food. They combine their money to purchase food for meals. Often, you will see              them at a grocery store in a fire engine. The only way the Brownstown Fire Department can ensure that firefighters will respond and arrive              in an average of less than 5 minutes is by using the vehicle they respond in -- with all firefighters present and available. Sometimes they                  receive a call while shopping for food, which means they leave directly from the grocery store and have to come back later to finish their                  grocery shopping.


Q.  Can I use commercial purchased fire pits in my back yard?

      A.    Any open burning with these devices  is discouraged within the Township, however commercial built fire pits may be used if done so                         in a safe and controlled and supervised manner.  Fire pits shall not be over loaded, shall only burn clean cut logs, no trash,  construction                 materials, plastics, or  rubber products.  Fire Pits shall not be placed on combustible decks, and shall not be located  any closer than 10                   feet from a house, garage, out structure or wooden and vinyl fences.



                               Fire Chief Jeff Drouillard (E-mail)   rose through the ranks of the Fire Department to become chief in 1999, after 17 years of 

                               service. He has been a Brownstown resident since 1972 and is a 1983 Woodhaven High School graduate. During high                        high school, it was already apparent where his interests would take him, as he enjoyed being a Fire Explorer with the                         the township Fire Department from 1981-1983. He has been with the department now for 42 years.


                                His affiliations and experience led to work as a paid-on-call firefighter and emergency medical technician from 1983-1987.


He also took on duties as a police/fire dispatcher from 1984-1987. In 1987, he assumed a position of leadership when he was named a full-time inspector. An appointment as fire marshal followed in 1993. He served for a year as acting chief from 1998-1999. Since 1983, the chief has attended numerous fire service related courses and programs and is a member of several fire service organizations. He is currently the chairman of the Downriver Mutual Aid Fire Chiefs


Pursuing a degree in fire science, he already has earned state certification as a paramedic, is a state-certified Firefighter I and II, and is a Fire Officer I, II and III and a graduate of Eastern Michigan Universities School of Fire Staff and Command.


He is a graduate of the Michigan State Police Fire Marshal Division for fire inspectors and has taken courses in advanced fire investigation, fire and arson investigation and vehicle fire investigation.


His affiliations include the International Association of Arson Investigators, the Metropolitan Detroit Fire Inspectors, the Downriver Mutual Aid Association of Fire Chiefs, which he is the current Chairman,  the Southeastern Michigan Fire Chiefs Association, the Downriver Mutual Aid Fire Investigation Team, and the National Fire Protection Association.  He severs as a trustee on the Health Emergency Medical Services system, (HEMS) Medical Control Authority of Western and Down River Wayne County and also serves as a Co-Chair for the Communications Sector.


Drouillard, with the assistance of Inspector Mark McLain, also performs periodic annual inspections of existing commercial buildings,multifamily rental units, new buildings and all renovations of buildings. These inspections are conducted to the International Fire Code and National Fire Protection Association  Fire Codes.