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.

628 S. Oak St Fire – No Injuries

At 8:28 p.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 628 S. Oak St.

Upon arrival, crews observed light smoke coming from the rear of the building. Firefighters located a fire within a rear wall and in the attic and were able to bring it under control within 20 minutes.

The building sustained smoke, fire, and water damage. Residents of the two-unit home were displaced.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Deerfield Township Fire Department, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

No residents or firefighters were injured. The fire remains under investigation.

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.

Life is saved on North Henry St. Fire

On October 25, 2025 at 12:23 p.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a structure fire located at 721 N. Henry St. The fire was reported at the back of the structure.

At 12:28 p.m., the Mt. Pleasant Police Department advised that one person remained in the residence. Fire crews arrived at 12:28:31, just as two City Police Officers extricated the victim out of the front of the home. The victim was treated on scene by Police and Fire personnel, then transported to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

The fire was located at the rear of the home and determined to be a cooking fire that got out of control and spread to a kitchen fire. The fire was brought under control at 12:39 p.m. The home sustained significant damage from fire, smoke, heat, and water. The occupants were home at the time of the fire and were displaced but are staying with family members in the area.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Deerfield Fire Department, Mobile Medical Response, Consumers Energy, DTE, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

No firefighters or Police Officers reported any injuries.

The fire remains under investigation.

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

Garage Fire in the 1000 Block of South Crapo Street

On October 18, 2023 at 2:58 p.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) was dispatched to a structure fire in the 1000 block of South Crapo Street.

Upon arrival to the scene, fire crews observed smoke coming from a residential duplex and brought the fire under control by 3:31 p.m. The duplex sustained light fire damage in the garage and eaves. Occupants were home at the time of the incident, but exited safely with no injuries sustained.

The cause of the fire was due to cigarette smoking in the area.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Mt. Pleasant Fire Department Responds to Restaurant Fire

On July 3 at 8:25 pm, the Mount Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a structure fire at Kuji Hibachi and Sushi, 5768 E. Pickard Rd.

Upon arrival crews observed smoke and flames emerging from the back of the structure. The fire began outside of the building, burned into a wall, and spread to the attic area. The restaurant was open at the time of the fire. All staff and customers were evacuated safely.

The building sustained moderate smoke damage and light structural damage to the rear corner and roof. The MPFD is investigating to determine the cause of the fire.

The MPFD was assisted by MMR, Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department, and the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department.