QUINCY, MI (WTVB) – In a move that could strain emergency response capabilities, the Quincy Fire Association board has voted to formally end mutual aid assistance to Butler Township, citing an “unsafe, hostile environment” under the command of the Tekonsha Fire Department’s chief.
The decision came after Tekonsha Fire reportedly requested a formal mutual aid contract with Quincy.
Fire Chief Mike Sherman cited multiple incidents involving the Tekonsha chief that he said created serious operational and safety concerns for his firefighters. Sherman said he was unwilling to place Quincy personnel in that environment.
The Quincy Fire Association board also voted to hire an attorney to draft a formal notification letter to Butler Township, the Tekonsha Fire Department, and Branch County Central Dispatch announcing the end of mutual aid support.
Mutual aid agreements are a cornerstone of fire protection in rural communities across Branch and Calhoun Counties, where departments routinely assist one another on structure fires, vehicle crashes, and other emergencies due to limited staffing and equipment. Quincy firefighters have historically responded to calls in Butler Township as part of longstanding informal or automatic aid arrangements.
Butler Township officials or the Tekonsha Fire Department have yet to publicly comment on the Quincy decision. The move does raises questions about how Butler Township will cover gaps in coverage, particularly for larger incidents.
Quincy Fire Association leaders emphasized that the decision was driven by firefighter safety and not personal animosity.
As of Friday evening, it remained unclear whether Butler Township or Tekonsha Fire would seek mediation, pursue a new mutual aid partner, or increase local staffing and training to offset the loss of Quincy support.
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