Can Volunteer Fire Service Keep Pace with a Growing Community? A Look at West Bloomfield

The Town of West Bloomfield engaged CGR to evaluate fire service delivery and plan for the future in an environment of declining volunteerism and rising costs.

The Ionia Volunteer Fire Company and the West Bloomfield Fire Department jointly respond to approximately 75 fire and medical emergencies each year under a service contract. The Town commissioned the study to assess how well this shared model works, examine rising costs, and identify ways to best support both departments over the long term. While the evaluation found that operating costs are increasing and volunteer recruitment and retention remain ongoing challenges, the departments—supported by mutual aid—are currently meeting the community’s essential service needs.

CGR’s recommendations focus on equitable funding strategies between the two departments and longer-term considerations, including strengthening volunteer sustainability and exploring regional approaches to fire service delivery.

Readers can explore the service area and regional context through CGR’s interactive map.

For more information, contact Paul Bishop.

January 14, 2026 CGR Briefs Edition