June 07, 2018
Thursday, June 7, 2018
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the initial appointments to the restructured Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council (MFFTC).
Originally created by Public Act 291 of 1966, the MFFTC serves the training and certification needs of fire departments and fire fighters across the state. The council prepares and publishes training standards while establishing courses of study, certifying instructors and establishing regional training centers.
Pursuant to Public Act 144 of 2017, the council was amended to be composed of nine members, eight to be appointed by the Governor.
“I thank these individuals for serving on this council,” Snyder said. “The work this board does ensures fire standards and training are up-to-date and consistent across the state, which helps save the lives of residents and firefighters alike.”
Jacob Steichen of Lake Ann serves as a firefighter paramedic in Traverse City. He holds an associate of science degree from Wayne County Community College and is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Arts degree at Siena Heights University. He will serve as the nominee of the state fire marshal.
Alan Styles of Twin Lake has worked for more than 28 years in fire service, currently serving as fire chief of the Dalton Township Fire Department. He holds an associate in fire science from Keiser University and will represent the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs.
Chad Tackett of Otsego is the fire chief of the Texas Township Fire Department. Additionally, he serves as the program manager and instructor of the Michigan State Police- Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division. He holds an associate degree in general studies and law enforcement from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in public safety from Siena Heights University. He will represent the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs and serve as chair at the pleasure of the Governor.
Alieen Pettinger of Saginaw currently serves as the lieutenant of the Saginaw Fire Department. She holds an associate in fire science from Delta College and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and sociology from Aquinas College. She will represent the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union.
Terrence Blackmer of Mayville currently serves as the lieutenant of the Port Huron Fire Department and assistant fire chief of the Maryville Fire Department. In addition, he serves as a reserve police officer for the Maryville Police Department and an adjunct instructor at Delta College. He holds an associate degree in applied science with an emphasis in fire science technology from Delta College and a bachelor’s degree in applied science from the University of Michigan. He will represent the Michigan State Firemen’s Association.
Brian Blomstrom of Sheridan serves as staff sergeant for the Greenville Department of Public Safety as well as deputy emergency manager for the county of Montcalm. Blomstrom is an adjunct criminal justice instructor at Montcalm Community College and a contract instructor for the Michigan State Police. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lake Superior State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Grand Valley State University. He will represent the Michigan Fire Service Instructors Association.
Lynnae White of Allegan serves as the fire marshal for the city of Grandville Fire Department. She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in business management from Davenport University, an Associate of Applied Science degree in fire science from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and a Bachelor of Science in occupational safety and health concertation in fire science from Columbia Southern University. She will represent the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society.
Members will serve four-year terms expiring Jan. 31, 2022. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the senate.
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