June 05, 2015
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Terrence Blackmer, of Mayville, and Joel Hondorp, of Byron Center, and the reappointments of Brian Blomstrom, of Sheridan, Tim James, of Vermontville, Aileen Pettinger, of Saginaw, and Chad Tackett, of Otsego, to the Fire Fighters Training Council.
Housed within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the seven-member board serves the training and certification needs of Michigan's 1,075 fire departments and more than 30,600 fire fighters and officers.
“Not only do these men and women serve their communities through their individual professions, they are volunteering additional time to offer valuable input that helps to improve public safety standards statewide," Snyder said.
Appointments:
Blackmer is a firefighter with the city of Port Huron, where he has worked since 2002. He is an emergency medical technician, earned an associate’s degree from Delta College, and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. He represents the Michigan State Firemen's Association and replaces Steve Richardson.
Hondorp is the Byron Township Clerk, a position he has held for 15 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University and is a licensed medical first responder. He represents the Michigan Townships Association and replaces David Purchase.
Reappointments:
Blomstrom is sergeant of Public Safety for the City of Greenville Department of Public Safety. He served as an adjunct instructor for both Montcalm Community College and with Montcalm County Emergency Services. Blomstrom earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and public safety from Lake Superior State University and a master of public administration degree from Grand Valley State University. He continues to represent the Michigan Fire Services Instructors Association.
James has been fire chief for the Benton Township Fire Department since 2010. James attended Siena Heights University and earned multiple certificates from Lansing Community College. He represents the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs.
Pettinger is a lieutenant with the city of Saginaw Fire Department, where she has worked since 1997. She earned an associate’s degree in fire science from Delta College and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Aquinas College. She represents the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union.
Tackett is fire chief for the Texas Township Fire Department and spent 18 years as fire chief of the Otsego Fire Department. Tackett earned an emergency medical technician certificate from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and a bachelor's degree in public safety from Siena Heights University. He represents the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs.
Appointees will serve four-year terms expiring December 31, 2018. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
#####
