Waterford Firefighters Local 1335

08/10/2026

THE FACT: Pontiac and Lake Angelus do not receive free fire service.

Both communities pay Waterford Township under separate contracts.

Pontiac’s current agreement began July 1, 2025. Pontiac paid $5,563,565 for the final six months of 2025 and will pay $11,683,486 in 2026. Payments then increase 5% annually through 2031.

Lake Angelus’s ten-year agreement began at $180,000 in 2023. Its payment increases annually by at least 2%, or the State Tax Commission inflation rate, capped at 5%.

Pontiac’s agreement also does not include WRFD ambulance transportation or Advanced Life Support. Pontiac contracts separately for that service.

Contract revenue supports the regional system, but it does not replace Waterford’s dedicated millage funding.

Official sources: Pontiac fire-services agreement⁠, Lake Angelus Fire and EMS agreement⁠, and Michigan State Tax Commission inflation multipliers⁠.

Gene Butcher
Deputy Chief
WRFD
[email protected]

08/05/2026

08/04/2026

We will be out at the polling locations today, asking for your support! Please remember to vote YES! Help us maintain the best possible service available.

08/04/2026

Waterford Professional Firefighters Union members hard at work today serving the community. Tomorrow, we could really use your support. Please get out and vote Yes on the two fire millages that are on the ballot. Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM.

07/08/2026

Over the past several weeks, I've had the opportunity to talk with many residents about the upcoming Fire Operating Millages. Many of the questions have been the same, so I thought it might be helpful to put together a simple fact sheet that explains how our fire department is funded and answers some of the questions I've been hearing.

One thing that's always been important to me is making sure people have accurate information. An informed community is a stronger community, and I believe everyone deserves the chance to understand what they're being asked to vote on before they cast their ballot.

This fact sheet covers topics such as:

• Why these are not new millages.

• How the Headlee Amendment has affected the millage rates over time.

• How our regional fire department is funded.

• Where the department's budget is invested.

• How the demand for Fire and EMS services has changed over the past 10 years.


If reading through this brings up additional questions, I'd be happy to talk with you.


Please feel free to call me, send me an email, or stop by my office. I'm also happy to attend neighborhood association meetings, homeowners associations, civic groups, service clubs, churches, businesses, or any other gathering where people would like to ask questions and have an open conversation. My commitment is simply to provide factual information and answer questions to the very best of my ability so everyone has the information they need to make their own informed decision.


No matter where you stand on these proposals, I'm here to answer your questions. I appreciate respectful conversations and welcome the chance to discuss them with anyone who would like more information.


Thank you for taking a few minutes to read through the fact sheet and for taking an active interest in the Waterford Regional Fire Department.


As always, my door is open,

Matthew J. Nye
Fire Chief
Waterford Regional Fire Department

06/27/2026

It is important to note that two millages are up for renewal and restoration this year. Established in 1976 and 1986, these millages have a 10-year lifespan. This year, the Township proposes restoring each millage to its original rate of 1.0 mil, as initially approved. Over time, the Headlee Amendment has led to a gradual decrease in the millage rates, which currently stand at 0.88-0.89.

Below is a fact sheet that explains what this means to the average homeowner in Waterford. This funding accounts for 21% of our operating budget and is vital to maintain Advanced Life Support transport services within the Township.

We appreciate your support!

06/05/2026

Reminder!!! Join us tomorrow for our Open House event, featuring live demonstrations, activities for children, complimentary food, and face painting.

05/29/2026

Today members participated in training exercises focused on roof operations and proper vertical ventilation techniques. Although staffing constraints do not always permit vertical ventilation, it remains a crucial element in structural firefighting.

05/18/2026

Reminder!!! Calling all golfers to come out for a great charity event! Time is running out, sign up now!

05/11/2026

This week Waterford Professional Fire Fighters Local 1335 spent time helping clean up the area beneath the Riverwalk bridge on Highland Road as part of an ongoing effort to support and care for the community we serve.

This project focused on removing litter that had accumulated around the bridge and surrounding Riverwalk area. This type of community service is simply another way to help improve the township and take pride in the neighborhoods we protect every day.