Over the past eight months the Brighton Area Fire Authority has hosted the Livingston County Fire Academy.  The class will graduate 18 new firefighters on Friday, January 28, 2011.

The new firefighters will go to work as paid-on-call firefighters with over nine new fire departments across Oakland and Livingston Counties.  Fire Chief Larry Lane stated “I am proud of our new firefighter’s accomplishments and looking forward to seeing this staff serve their communities”.

The Fire Academy was managed by Captain Gregory Mowbray of the Brighton Area Fire Authority who commanded the cadre of instructors from across Livingston County.  “The Fire Academy is a true testament to the cooperation of area fire departments and provides each new firefighter with exposure to different organizations.  Our fire departments are setting the trend for government cooperation across Southeast Michigan and providing the best training for new firefighters” said Fire Chief Lane. 

Graduation is set for Friday, January 28^th, 2011 at 7:00 pm at Brighton Area Fire Authority Station 32 located at 1580 Old US-23, Brighton, MI  48114.

If you would like to setup an interview or get additional details, please contact Fire Marshal O’Brian at 810-229-6640.

On Thursday, January 13, 2011, I received a call that no Fire Chief ever wants to receive.  The caller stated that our beloved Fire Inspector Bill Gage had passed away while recovering from heart surgery.

On behalf of our staff and the Fire Authority Board I would like to thank the community for the outpouring of support we have received.  Bill was a true asset to the community and it was obvious the impact he had in the Brighton Area.

During the funeral process, Brighton Area Fire Authority worked closely with Van Buren Fire Department (Bill worked with them as a paid-on-call firefighter) on the funeral arrangements.  The staff of the Brighton Area Fire Authority was warmly received by the community.  The Van Buren area donated food for over 600 people and was a true testament of the community support for one of their lost firefighters.

I cannot say enough thank-you’s to Green Oak, Hartland, Hamburg and Howell Fire Departments for providing support during this process.  Many people have asked how they can help.  First, Brighton Area Fire Authority has established a scholarship fund in Bill’s name for supporting education of future inspectors.  Second, Bill would want me to remind you to check your smoke alarms and have a home escape plan.

Thank-you for your outpouring of support.  It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as your Fire Chief.

Bill Gage passed away on January 13, 2011 at Beaumont Hospital.  Bill was born on December 13, 1959 to William and Patricia Gage.  On February 14, 1986, he married the love of his life and his best friend, Tamara Long Gage.  Together they celebrated almost 25 years of marriage raising a family, traveling and sharing common interests such as their love of sports.  In his words, Bill said “I have lived a full life.”  During his 51 short years, he touched many people and his was a life of accomplishment.  Most recently, Bill graduated from the Eastern Michigan University School of Fire Staff and Command.  Bill was a Captain / Fire Inspector with the Brighton Area Fire Authority and a Lieutenant with the Van Buren Township Fire Department.  An ardent “Go Blue” fan, Bill graduated from his beloved University of Michigan in 1983 where he played trumpet with the Marching Band and U of M Alumni Band.  Bill is past president of the Lions Club serving the Belleville area.  A lifelong Belleville resident, Bill graduated from Belleville High School in 1978 where he was a member of the Marching and Jazz Bands.  For many years, Bill served as a soccer coach with the Van Buren Soccer Association mentoring area youth.  Bill worked as a school teacher and police officer.  Most importantly, Bill was a loving son, brother, husband and father.  Bill is survived by his loving wife, Tamara, of Belleville, his sons, Adam of Ypsilanti and Aaron of Howell; Stephanie Upplegger, his future daughter-in-law; his faithful dog Eddie; his parents Bill & Pat Gage of Grand Blanc; his brother Bryan of Hammond, IN and many family, friends and coworkers.  Bill was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents and Timothy, a brother who passed in 1961.  

 Donations in Bill’s name may be made to the Bill Gage Inspector Scholarship Fund at the Brighton Area Fire Department or to the U of M Marching Band, Attn: Kimberly Baumgartner.  The family expresses its sincere appreciation to the Brighton Area and Van Buren Township Fire Departments for their generosity and assistance during this difficult time.  Bill will be missed by all!

Inspector Bill Gage Earns Top Honors

The Brighton Area Fire Authority is proud to announce that Inspector Bill Gage has been honored as the Oakland County Fire Prevention Society’s “Fire Inspector of the Year”.

“Gage is an asset to the society as well as the community he serves” said Brian Batten, President of Oakland County Fire Prevention Society.  “He has continued to develop himself professionally and takes time to understand his job.”

Inspector Gage (age 51) was hired by the Brighton Area Fire Authority in 2004 and has served as an inspector.  He recently graduated from Fire Staff and Command, a graduate level program at Eastern Michigan University.  Bill graduated from the University of Michigan in 1982.  He is married to Tamara and they have two sons, Adam and Aaron (a firefighter with the Brighton Area Fire Authority).

According to Fire Chief Larry Lane; “This is a great honor, and we are very proud of Bill.  The society which honored him is full of top notch inspectors and it shows how great our staff is.”

The Oakland County Fire Prevention Society is a non-profit society which promotes fire prevention efforts thru education and training.  The society has over 100 members from Southeastern Michigan.  This is the second year in a row that the Brighton Area Fire Authority has received this award.

To set up an interview or to get additional information, please contact Fire Marshal O’Brian at 810-229-6640.

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