In a press release earlier this month, Mecosta Township Fire and Rescue announced a partnership with the Mecosta Township Board to implement daytime staffing.

This comes in light of rising emergency service demands, which have increased by 11 percent annually since 2015. In 2024, the 212 of the department's 440 calls occurred between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. 

"This important advancement was made possible through a strong partnership between the fire department administration and township leadership, with a shared commitment to ensuring the highest level of emergency services to the community," Mecosta Township Fire Department Chief, Anthony Peacock, said in a press release.

The implementation of daytime staffing began on Monday, May 5. These volunteer and paid-on-call staff will handle emergencies and conduct community risk reduction activities, such as business surveys, public education, fire safety presentations, and alarm installations. 

"Mecosta Township Fire and Rescue remains committed to providing exceptional service and protecting the lives and property of our residents and visitors," Peacock said. "The implementation of daytime staffing represents a major step forward in strengthening our emergency response capabilities and enhancing community safety."

The full release, courtesy of Mecosta Township Fire and Rescue, can be found here: FULL RELEASE.