Mt. Pleasant Fire Chief Doug Lobsinger Retires After 33 Years of Service

After 33 years of service to the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, Fire Chief Doug Lobsinger will retire on October 30, 2026. Doug joined the department as a paid-on-call firefighter on October 18, 1993, and attended his first fire training course that same night. He became a full-time firefighter in 1997, was promoted to Fire Sergeant in 2015, Assistant Fire Chief in 2018, and was named Fire Chief in May 2023.

Throughout his career, Doug’s work extended well beyond emergency response. As a certified EMS and Fire I instructor, he dedicated much of his career to teaching. He also directed the Neighborhood Resource Unit, administered the MSHDA housing grant program to help residents make home exterior improvements, and served as Union Township’s Fire Chief and Fire Code Official. His involvement in community boards, public safety partnerships and outreach reflect his commitment to the people and communities he served.

Public Safety Director Paul Lauria said, “Doug has had a very positive impact on the Fire Department, but I think his impact on the community goes well beyond that. He has always been willing to take on projects and get involved, from the City’s TNR program to organizing Greeks Cleaned the Streets. That is one of the things I have always appreciated about Doug. He understood that public service was bigger than just his role as Fire Chief. He cared about the community and was willing to put in the work to make it better. I think his impact will be felt here for a long time.”

Looking back on his career, Doug shared that its greatest rewards have not come from any single achievement, but from the people he served with.

“When I think about what I am most proud of, it isn’t a particular fire, promotion or accomplishment. It is the people. I am proud of the firefighters who show up every day ready to help someone they may never have met.”

That belief shaped Doug’s leadership as chief. Through years of teaching and mentoring, he reminded new firefighters that making a difference isn’t always about saving a life or putting out a fire. It’s often about showing up when someone is having the worst day of their life and treating them with dignity and compassion. As chief, he found it most rewarding to watch his team do just that.

Doug is looking forward to spending more time with family and friends, fishing, enjoying his hobbies and discovering life beyond the firehouse. After years of late-night calls, training and time away from home, he is grateful for the family who supported him throughout his career.

While he is ready for the next chapter, Doug knows the fire service will always be part of who he is.

“Once a firefighter, always a firefighter. The uniform may eventually come off, the pager may eventually stop, and the schedule will belong to someone else, but the memories, friendships, lessons, and experiences will stay with me forever.”

Reflecting on his time with the department, Doug shared his gratitude for the people who have been part of his journey and the opportunity to serve alongside them.

“For 33 years, I was fortunate enough to be part of something bigger than myself. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey. It has been an incredible ride, and now I am ready to see what is waiting around the next corner.”

Congratulations on your retirement, Chief Lobsinger. Thank you for 33 years of dedication to the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department and the community.

715 Wood St. Structure Fire

On March 29, 2026, at 9:42 p.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a
vehicle fire next to a residence. Arriving crews observed a fully involved vehicle with
heavy fire extending to the attic of the nearby residence. Firefighters conducted an
offensive fire attack and brought the fire under control.

Five occupants of the home were present at the time of the fire and three sustained
minor smoke inhalation and burn injuries.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Shepherd Tri Township Fire Department, Mobile Medical Response, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Check your smoke detectors
monthly and replace your batteries twice a year. Operating smoke detectors may save
your life.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 4/8/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 8, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Mt. Pleasant Paid On-Call Firefighters Andrew Foster, Jordan VanAvery, and Demetrius (Eli) Walker were introduced and sworn in.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officer Tyler Hall was introduced and sworn in.

Approved the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

7) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 25, 2024.

8) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held March 25, 2024.

9) Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held April 1, 2024.

10) Five-year contract with Sunrise Assessing Services.

11) Received proposed 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan and set a public hearing for May 28, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. on same.

12) Established Mission Street Corridor Plan Steering Committee.

13) Resolution authorizing a 2024 MSHDA MI Neighborhood Program grant application.

14) Warrants and payrolls.

Authorized the purchase of two 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles from Berger Chevrolet as well as authorized a budget amendment for the purchase of same.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.

Residential Fire Extinguished

At 10:04 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022 the Mount Pleasant Fire Department responded to a house fire at 1512 W. Granger Street. Upon arrival, crews observed flames and smoke coming from the rear of the single story residence.

The home was occupied at the time of the fire, but all individuals were able to exit safely without injury. The fire was brought under control by 10:43 p.m. The structure sustained heavy smoke, heat and fire damage. The family who occupied the home has been provided food and shelter by the American Red Cross.

The fire remains under investigation. The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department and Isabella County Central Dispatch. The fire remains under investigation.

Structure fire damages Mt. Pleasant residence

On Dec. 7, 2017 at 12:32 a.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 108 Oak Street with three fire engines, a rescue truck and other support vehicles.

First arriving units found smoke visible from the eaves of the two-story, wood-framed residential structure. Responders were notified that all occupants were out of the home.

Engines were set up in the front of the structure and an aggressive interior fire attack was initiated. While the main fire was extinguished rather quickly, the fire extended to the attic space of the residence and burned the exposed surfaces of the cellulose insulation.

Extensive salvage and overhaul was conducted to prevent further loss to the structure or its contents. Salvage and overhaul is a process during which the burned area is carefully examined for remaining sources of heat that may re-kindle.

The fire caused extensive damage to the home and its contents. More than 30 firefighters from three departments assisted in firefighting operations.

No injuries were reported. The fire remains under investigation at this time.

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department, Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Mobile Medical Rescue provided assistance during this incident.