About Us & History

OUR BEGINNINGS WERE HUMBLE

The Hamlin Township Fire Department was founded on January 1, 1988, with Ron Byerly as its first Fire Chief. From its humble beginnings, serving the original 34.5 square miles of Hamlin Township and the eastern portion of Brookfield Township, the department has grown alongside the community. In 1988, Hamlin Fire responded to fewer than 50 calls annually; by 2023, that number had soared to over 200 runs per year.

As the department’s reach has expanded, so has its role in supporting surrounding communities and collaborating with fire departments across Eaton, Ingham, and Jackson counties. Hamlin Fire has been an integral part of responding to major incidents, including a train derailment in Potterville, a significant fire at the Potterville pallet factory, and a fuel tanker crash in Springport.

We are deeply proud of the communities we serve and the long-standing dedication of our team. Among our proudest achievements is the fact that two original members of the department—Chet Anderson and Joe Holmes—continue to serve, embodying the spirit and commitment that have defined Hamlin Fire since day one.