GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Grand Blanc Township’s leaders may not agree on a long-term staffing plan, but after the mass shooting on Sept. 28 at a Mormon church, they at least agreed on this: another full-time firefighter can’t wait. 

The board approved the position as part of its 2026 budget, shifting money from unfilled part-time slots. The department currently operates with six full-time firefighters and 28 part-timers. However, that’s far below what Fire Chief Jamie Jent says is needed for reliable daily staffing and compliance with the federal “two in, two out” safety rule.

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Jent asked for three additional full-time positions. He said the township’s dependence on part-time staffing leaves shifts unfilled and crews stretched thin. Firefighters’ union officials echoed that concern, noting the department typically runs with only two firefighters per truck rather than the industry standard of four.

The staffing debate intensified after a recent church attack, where a gunman killed four people and set the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints on fire. It strained the township’s limited crews. The response exposed gaps in coverage and renewed pressure to add full-time firefighters. 

A new fire station is set to open April 1. Officials say more hires may follow once a long-term funding plan is set.