By Dylan Goetz
mlive.com
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. — When Robert Burdette first began working at the fire station, a new fire truck was worth about $70,000.
That same truck, equipped with the newest firefighting technology, can cost more than $1 million nowadays.
The longtime Grand Blanc Township fire chief is retiring at the end of this year. His last day on Dec. 31 will cap a 43-year career with the same department. He’s served as chief since July 2016.
The township appointed Kent Maricle as interim fire chief as the search for a new full-time chief is conducted. Applications are open now and must be filed by Jan. 5.
Burdette first joined the fire department after a friend introduced him to the fire chief. He was a teenager working at a hardware store in downtown Grand Blanc at the time, and whenever the fire alarm would go off, he and his coworkers would watch the trucks exit the garage.
“Seeing those guys going out all the time, it was just like every little kid’s dream – a firefighter,” Burdette said.
Soon after he began working as an on-call firefighter, Burdette learned the firefighting industry was constantly changing. The industry faced new challenges, like lithium-ion batteries in cell phones and cameras, as Burdette pointed out.
“When the call comes in, you’re going to meet people at their worst time,” Burdette said. “...If you don’t want to be around them or know how to talk to them, help them out, or anything like that, this is not the job for you.”
Not only do you have to be prepared for the social aspect of working with the community, but you must also be willing to respond to a call at any time of the day or night, work outdoors in below-zero wind chills and get dirty, Burdette said.
Burdette, 63, served in each of the department’s roles throughout his career: on-call firefighter, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief and deputy chief.
He oversaw the department as it broke off from the city of Grand Blanc in 2019 and assisted in the renovation of the Baldwin Road fire station with his team.
Burdette recalled memories of ringing bells for the Salvation Army, meet-and-greets and lighthearted practical jokes around the station.
Years ago, when he was working in the downtown fire station, Burdette got an urgent call to come to the office. He rushed in, took a seat, and an air horn rigged to the chair blew.
He advises young people who are considering careers as firefighters to keep an open mind and a sense of humor.
Burdette grew closer and closer to his community over the years. The Burdette family already had strong roots in the Grand Blanc area, so it was easy for the retiring fire chief to stay in town.
In retirement, Burdette plans to spend time with his wife and five grandchildren.
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