Mission Statement

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe Fire Department is a professional organization dedicated to providing outstanding service. We strive to maintain a lifestyle about reproach. By providing a safe environment for people to live, work and play on the Isabella Federal Indian Reservation by providing a quality fire prevention and protection; all the while maintaining a level of training to provide the best fire suppression and pre-hospital care possible.

Do you think you have what it takes to become a wildland firefighter?

The Saginaw Chippewa Interagency wildland division is a division of the Tribal fire department and is looking for interested men and women that are seeking seasonal employment on type 2 IA "Initial Attack" hand crew. The hand crew is a BIA "Bureau of Indian affairs" - Michigan agency crew that can be deployed Nationwide including Alaska and Canada. Wildland firefighting can be physically demanding for long periods of time. working in heavy smoke and intense heat, climbing steep and rugged terrain, working in and living in an outdoor environment and carrying heavy packs and equipment. For long periods of time.

Position Requirements
  • Deployments may be up to 21 days
  • Up to 16 hour working days
  • Must be able to PASS a work capacity test - A 3 mile walk with a 45 pound weight vest in UNDER 45 minutes
  • MUST be available during fire season
  • Will be subject to mandatory drug screens, medical screenings MUST have current Michigan Drivers License
  • MUST be able to obtain a DOI "Department of Interior" operators License
  • MUST be 18 years of age
  • MUST be able to pass a Medical Physical Examination
  • Must complete Basic wildland fire fighter Training
  • Fire assignments require that firefighters work under arduous and stressful conditions
Some Training Requirements

Course is broken into short, 1 to 3 hours modules enabling students to complete courses at their own pace. Collectively, the two courses offer approximately 40 hours of training.

For more information Please contact any of the following Representatives At 989-775-4866
Chief Cantu
SGT Kelly
Ryan Chippewa

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Click here to download the application