Cascade names Adam Magers township's new fire chief

By Madison Bennett | MLive

Cascade Township has appointed Adam Magers as its next fire chief after a nearly seven-month-long search.

Magers will begin his tenure leading the more than 30-member department on Nov. 27.

Magers currently serves as the battalion chief for the Battle Creek Fire Department. He has held that role since 2015 and has worked in the department since 2003.

In his new role, Magers will ensure township policies, ordinances and laws are followed, and will also be responsible for the department's operating budget, recruitment and hiring. Additionally, he will be responsible for coordinating mutual aid relationships with other municipalities and townships.

"We are extremely excited to welcome Adam to the township as he leads our department through a period of positive transformation," Township Manager Ben Swayze said.

"As he transitions into this new role, his ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders and delegate responsibility with measurable accountability will be vital in fostering a positive culture and engraining himself in our community."

Magers follows former Fire Chief John Sigg, who announced his retirement in March 2017 following two criminal cases filed against two Cascade firefighters. Sigg had been with the department for 29 years and became chief in 2001.

The firefighters -- Clem Bell, 51, and Steven Drake, 32 -- were sentenced June 22 to eight months in jail followed by six months of home arrest on tether and five years of probation.

Magers also serves as the technical sergeant and assistant chief of operations for the Michigan Air National Guard's 110th attack wing, where he has been responsible for managing fire department operations for 25 soldiers, in both stateside and deployed locations. He has worked with the Air National Guard since 2002.

Magers holds several certifications and licenses through the Department of Defense, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, State of Michigan and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal for his actions while deployed to Iraq and Kuwait to provide fire protection to the U.S. air bases in 2007 and 2013, respectively.

"I really got a sense of a close-knit family atmosphere with the department, and am most looking forward to getting to know the firefighters and working with them to build a department we can all be proud to be a part of," Magers said.

"My experience with the military - especially being deployed overseas - and in a busy department in Battle Creek has given me confidence in my abilities to lead the Cascade Fire Department."

Magers received his bachelor's degree from Hope College and his associate's degree in fire protection from the Community College of the Air Force. Most recently, he graduated from Eastern Michigan University's School of Fire Staff and Command Executive Leadership Program.

Out of more than 30 applications received from a nationwide search, the top five candidates were invited to participate in interviews.

The final process, monitored by three Michigan fire chiefs, began on Oct. 2 and required candidates to complete a physical assessment and a managerial skills assessment focused on several categories.

On Oct. 14, candidates participated in interviews hosted by the township as well as a public meet-and-greet. An offer was made to Magers on Nov. 2.

The department has been seeking a fire chief since April 2017. During that time, Lt. Ron Rowland served as interim chief and assumed responsibilities for day-to-day operations of the township's fire services.

This post originally appeared on MLive.com Nov. 6, 2017.