Mason Firefighters Association

08/28/2026

Summer is not over yet! Here are some good tips for boating safety. ☀️

08/10/2026

Today, we pause to remember Chief James M. Pelton, a man whose life was defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the City of Mason.

Jim began his journey with the Mason Fire Department on June 19, 1964, answering the call to serve his community. Over the next 37 years, he rose through the ranks, eventually serving as Fire Chief from 1993 until 2001. During his tenure, he helped shape the future of our department through improved training, enhanced firefighter safety, the construction of a new fire station, and the acquisition of the department's first aerial platform truck.

Outside of the fire service, Jim was a familiar face in downtown Mason as the owner of The Golden Shear barbershop. Countless conversations, friendships, and haircuts were shared from his chair, and many customers understood that if the pager sounded, their haircut might have to wait while Jim answered another call for help.

On August 10, 2001, Chief Pelton was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident while on duty. This year marks the 25th anniversary of his line-of-duty death. Though 25 years have passed, his legacy continues to live on in the firefighters who serve this community and in the department he helped build.

Today, the Mason Fire Department proudly operates from the Chief James M. Pelton Fire Station, a lasting tribute to a man whose dedication, vision, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Please join us in remembering Chief James M. Pelton, honoring his family, and reflecting on a life spent serving others.

If you would like to learn more about Chief Pelton's life and legacy, please visit his Roll of Honor page with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation:

Chief James M. Pelton – National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Roll of Honor

"Gone, but never forgotten. His watch may have ended, but his legacy continues to guide us."

08/08/2026

With heavy hearts, Chief Minshall, his wife Kerri and family and the entire Mason Fire Department family said a final goodbye to Ember the Fire Dog (also known as Ember Lou).

For 16 years and 9 months—roughly 112 to 117 in dog years—Ember was a constant presence at the station greeting all firefighters and visitors. She could be seen with her head out the window arriving for work and leaving with Chief Minshall every day. She loved responding to fire calls and when the alarm sounded, she was in the car ready to go. She proudly demonstrated “stop, drop and roll” (if the treats were good) to hundreds of children at school fire-safety programs, she attended many community events, and was ‘spotted’ in numerous parades. Ember wasn’t just a dog; she was the Chief's family pet and a true member of the department who brought smiles, comfort, and a little extra heart to everyone she met.

Ember led a full and wonderful life as a family pet and a loyal and dedicated member of the department. She will be deeply missed by all of us. Rest easy, girl.

Chief Minshall would like to extend his sincere thanks to Dr. Main, Val and the wonderful staff at the Mason Veterinary Clinic for the excellent care they provided Ember throughout her long life.

Please feel free to share any fond memories and pictures of Ember that you may have.

07/16/2026

Wildfire smoke is impacting air quality across Michigan. Check on family, friends and neighbors who may be more vulnerable. Stay safe!

{UPDATED POST ABOVE}

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Alert for July 16 and July 17, 2026, for elevated levels of fine particulate due to wildfire smoke.

Concentrations will be in the Hazardous range.

This is a Statewide Air Quality Alert

Plumes of smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to drift across the region. Elevated fine particulate due to the smoke will continue through Friday. Everyone should seek cleaner air indoors and keep activity levels low. While indoors, take action to improve the indoor air quality such as:
 closing windows and minimize opening of doors
 if HVAC systems are not equipped with MERV-13 filters or higher, use portable air cleaners
 avoid activities that make indoor air quality worse: burning candles, using vacuums without a HEPA filter, using gas stoves more than necessary, smoking, spraying aerosol products

If you must be outdoors for short periods of time:
 Wear an N95 or P100 respirator marked with “NIOSH.” The respirator should fit tightly, collapse as you breathe in and not let air in from the sides. Instructions for fitting a respirator mask properly can be found at:
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-11/documents/respiratory_protection-no-niosh-5081.pdf
 Do not use masks for children under age 2.

For up-to-date air quality data for Michigan visit the MiAir site:
Michigan.gov/MiAir

For further health information, please see MDHHS’ Wildfire Smoke and Your Health site:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental-health/your-health-and-wildfire-smoke

07/10/2026

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Barnes St. will be closed from Ash St. to Maple St. to honor a retired Firefighter, Dennis Foster Whipple. He served more than 47 years on the Mason Fire Department. Thank you for your service to the City of Mason!

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/dennis-whipple-obituary?id=61663064

07/02/2026

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!

06/21/2026

Anyone looking for gym equipment? Send us a message if you are. Please note that we do not monitor our inbox 24/7 so there could be a delay in response. Thanks!

Selling a full set of gym equipment which has been stored and unused for several months and will need the dust and cobwebs cleaned off. First come, first served. Pick-up only in Mason, MI Message to...

06/05/2026

Camping season is here! Here are a few tips to help keep you safe:

• Do not build or use campfires on windy or dry days.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the fire.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Do not use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start or maintain a fire.
• If clothing catches fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll

05/02/2026

Several of Mason’s Bravest participated in the Mason Public Schools 5K last night. Thanks to Deanna Marie Photography for capturing our groups photo at the finish line.

04/29/2026

Join us this Saturday for a great morning at the Mason Firefighters Association Pancake Breakfast!

Bring the family and enjoy a delicious breakfast with the Mason Firefighters. We’d love to see you there! 🚒 🥞