By Chief Ryan Anderson
Munising Fire Department
The Munising Fire Department is a volunteer fire department and exists for one reason: to protect life and property within the City of Munising. That work shows up most visibly when there is smoke in the air or lights in the street, but most of what keeps this department effective happens long before a call ever comes in.
I am a Munising High School graduate, Class of 1990, and I have spent much of my adult life with this department. I did not come in with a plan to lead it. I started as a substitute firefighter, learned the job and over time took on more responsibility. After serving more than 10 years as a captain under Chief Dan Malone’s mentorship, I stepped into the chief’s role with a clear understanding of what the department does well and where the challenges are.
The department serves the City of Munising, with coverage defined by city limits along M-28, H-58, West Shore Road and Connors Road. While those boundaries matter on paper, effective fire service depends on cooperation. Munising Fire works closely with Munising Township and neighboring departments, providing and receiving mutual aid when needed. That coordination is critical in a rural setting, where resources must be shared to handle larger incidents.
Life safety is the department’s primary focus for both the public and for firefighters. Every scene requires constant evaluation of conditions and risk. Decisions about entry, suppression and rescue are guided by training and experience, with firefighter safety always factored in. If firefighters are injured, the department’s ability to help others is compromised.
Training is a constant priority. The Munising Fire Department conducts monthly training sessions covering pumping operations, ladders, hose lays, air packs and equipment use. Regular training ensures firefighters stay familiar with procedures and that equipment is ready to perform when it is needed.
Equipment remains one of the department’s biggest challenges. The newest fire truck in the fleet is a 2002 model. Fire apparatus are expensive, often costing between $700,000 and more than $1 million, and build times can stretch years. While the department maintains its equipment aggressively, age brings inevitable wear. Seals dry out. Valves fail. Parts wear down.
Rather than immediately turning to taxpayers, my focus is to continue to pursue other funding options, including grants, used equipment opportunities and alternative manufacturers. Balancing fiscal responsibility with public safety is an ongoing challenge, and long-term planning is essential.
Beyond emergency response, the department stays active in the community. Each May, the Munising Fire Department hosts the Trout and Salmon Classic, which serves as its primary fundraiser. Every December, firefighters also organize a community food drive benefiting local food pantries. The 2025 drive marked its 10th year and was the most successful to date.
Supporting many of these efforts is the Munising Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary. The auxiliary assists with fundraising and community events and provides important behind-the-scenes support that helps extend the department’s reach.
This year, the Munising Fire Department is also moving toward participation in the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, known as MABAS. The system allows fire departments to formally share resources through a statewide network. If approved, it would give local departments access to additional personnel, equipment and specialized support during large or complex incidents that exceed local capacity. Requests are coordinated through the sheriff’s office, allowing help to be mobilized quickly from across Michigan. While the goal is to never need that level of response, participation strengthens preparedness and ensures support is in place when it matters most.
The Munising Fire Department is a volunteer organization built on training, teamwork and community support. The work is not done for recognition, but the support the department receives, whether through participation in events or simple words of thanks, plays an important role in sustaining the people who serve.
None of this happens without the volunteer firefighters who show up, train, respond and put in the hours year after year. Their commitment, often unseen, is what keeps this department functioning and ready. I am also proud to share that this year the department includes two female firefighters, marking a historic moment for the City of Munising and reflecting the continued evolution of the fire service and the community it serves.
Ryan Anderson is chief of the Munising Fire Department.