Ada Fire Department - Michigan

It is with deep sadness that the Ada Township Fire Department announces the passing of retired firefighter Glen Matthew “Matt” Nygren Sr., who passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 67.

Matt dedicated much of his life to serving others and was a proud member of the Ada Fire Department. Throughout his career, he exemplified the values of courage, service, and commitment to his community. In addition to his service in Ada, Matt answered the call to serve internationally as a firefighter in Iraq from 2004 to 2005.

Those who knew Matt will remember his adventurous spirit, generous heart, and unwavering dedication to helping others. Whether serving his community, enjoying time with family and friends, skiing, camping, cheering on Dale Earnhardt, or spending time along the shores of Grand Haven, Matt embraced life with enthusiasm and passion.

Matt is survived by his wife of 38 years, Cherie; his children, Melissa Ross, Glen (Emily) Nygren, and Mary Regan; his grandchildren, Austin Ross and Harrison Regan; his brother, Erik (Sue) Nygren; his sisters, Karin (Oscar) Espinal and Kim (Mike) Montgomery; and many extended family members and friends.

On behalf of the members of the Ada Township Fire Department, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Matt’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His years of service and dedication to others will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

Rest easy, Matt. We have the watch from here.

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice protects the freedoms we enjoy every day, and we are forever grateful.

As you spend time with family and friends this Memorial Day, please take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday and remember those who never made it home.

From all of us at the Ada Township Fire Department, thank you to our fallen heroes and the families who carry their legacy forward. 🇺🇸

The Ada Township Fire Department extends our deepest condolences to the City of Walker Fire Department - Michigan for the unexpected loss of their Fire Chief.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all members of the Walker Fire Department during this incredibly difficult time. We stand with you in honoring his service, leadership, and dedication to the fire service community.

Rest easy, Chief. You will not be forgotten.

Spring break is often seen as a time to relax, travel, and recharge. Whether that means heading to a beach, exploring a new city, or simply enjoying time closer to home, the increase in travel and activity also brings increased risk. A safe spring break does not happen by accident. It requires awareness, preparation, and a few intentional choices that can make all the difference.

One of the most important aspects of spring break safety begins before you even leave. Planning ahead helps reduce uncertainty and allows you to respond more effectively if something unexpected happens. Share your travel plans with a trusted friend or family member, including where you are staying and how long you will be gone. Keep copies of important documents such as your identification, insurance cards, and reservations. If you are traveling out of state or internationally, take time to understand local laws, emergency numbers, and any health advisories that may apply.

Transportation safety should be a top priority. If you are driving, ensure your vehicle is in good condition before you leave. Check tire pressure, fluid levels, and weather forecasts along your route. Avoid driving while fatigued, and take regular breaks on long trips. If you are flying or using public transportation, remain aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Rideshare services can be convenient, but always verify the driver and vehicle before getting in.

Many spring break activities take place around water, which introduces specific risks. Whether you are swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean, never assume conditions are safe. Pay attention to posted warnings, currents, and weather changes. Avoid swimming alone, and be cautious when consuming alcohol near water. Drowning incidents often occur quickly and quietly, especially when people overestimate their swimming ability or underestimate hazards like rip currents.

Alcohol and substance use are common during spring break, but they significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and poor decision making. If you choose to drink, do so responsibly. Know your limits, stay hydrated, and never leave drinks unattended. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers, and watch for signs that something may be wrong. Staying with a trusted group and looking out for one another can prevent dangerous situations from escalating.

Personal safety extends beyond physical risks. Crowded environments such as parties, concerts, and popular tourist areas can create opportunities for theft or unwanted interactions. Keep valuables secured and avoid carrying more than you need. Trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself quickly and seek help if needed. Establish a plan with friends in case you get separated, including a designated meeting location.

Health considerations are also important. Changes in environment, food, and activity levels can affect your body. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and get enough rest. Sunburn, dehydration, and heat related illnesses are common during spring break, especially in warmer climates. If you are participating in outdoor activities, take precautions to protect yourself from the elements.

Technology can be a valuable safety tool when used wisely. Keep your phone charged and consider enabling location sharing with someone you trust. However, be mindful of what you share publicly on social media. Posting your location in real time can unintentionally signal that you are away from home or in a vulnerable setting.

Finally, remember that emergencies can happen anywhere. Take a moment to identify exits in unfamiliar buildings, know how to contact local emergency services, and be aware of basic first aid principles. Small steps like these can have a significant impact during a critical moment.

Spring break should be a time of enjoyment, not regret. By staying aware, making thoughtful decisions, and looking out for yourself and others, you can create a trip that is both memorable and safe.

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Ada Township Fire Department
Month-End Report, March 2026

Incident Summary

The Ada Township Fire Department responded to 77 total incidents in March, bringing the year-to-date total to 207 calls. This reflects a slight increase compared to March 2024 and matches March 2025 activity levels.

Call Breakdown for March:

Medical: 29
Vehicle Accidents: 11
Fire Alarms: 12
Auto Aid Responses: 7
Hazardous Conditions and CO Alarms: 4
Good Intent Calls and Odor Investigations: 3
Service Calls and Assists: 3
Grass or Illegal Burns: 2
Other Calls, including wires and miscellaneous: 6
Structure Fires in Ada Township: 0
Vehicle Fires: 0

Medical calls continue to make up the largest portion of responses, followed by fire alarms and vehicle accidents.

Mutual Aid Activity

The department provided a total of 16 mutual aid responses to neighboring jurisdictions. Primary agencies assisted included Cascade, Grand Rapids Township, Grattan, and Lowell.

Ada crews also participated in several structure fire responses outside the township, reinforcing strong regional cooperation.

Notable Incident Activity

Multiple structure fire responses occurred through mutual aid to surrounding departments.
A significant weather event on March 13 resulted in numerous calls for wires down, trees down, and power-related hazards.
Several carbon monoxide investigations were handled, including confirmed CO detection incidents.
Crews managed a variety of vehicle accidents, ranging from property damage to multi-vehicle crashes.

Training and Professional Development

Training remained a key focus throughout the month:

Elevator Rescue Training:
Hosted in partnership with surrounding departments, combining classroom instruction at the Amy Van Andel Library with hands-on training at St. Robert’s Church.

Medical Continuing Education:

All members completed annual CPR refresher training.

Medication Administration Training:

Full-time staff participated in hands-on training for administering approved medications.

Traffic Control Training:

Focused on improving scene safety at roadway incidents, led by Chief Ron Tennant. Emphasis was placed on mitigating risks from distracted drivers and improving traffic management practices.

Community Engagement

Career Day Event:

Students from Forest Hills Northern visited the station to explore fire service careers, with strong engagement and discussion about career pathways.

Facilities and Equipment

Station Improvements:

Fire Station One received new carpet in offices, hallways, and the training room. Tile was added in high traffic areas to improve durability and cleanliness.

Summary

March was an active month with steady call volume, significant training efforts, and continued collaboration with regional partners. The department remains focused on operational readiness, firefighter safety, and community engagement.

Yesterday, Ada Township Fire Department assisted our neighbors to the east with a well involved residential fire. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies, the incident was brought under control and, most importantly, no one was injured.

We appreciate the strong mutual aid response from Lowell Fire Department, Cascade Township Fire Department, Alto Fire Department, Rockford Ambulance, and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.

Incidents like this highlight the importance of teamwork and regional cooperation in keeping our communities safe.

Photo credit: Reece Schroeder

A slight risk of severe storms exists across central Lower MI Sunday evening. A line of strong to severe storms will develop ahead of a cold front and move across the region after 8 PM. Strong winds are the main threat.

The Ada Township Fire Department extends our deepest condolences to the Lowell Area Fire Department on the passing of retired firefighter Paul Roderick.

Paul, known to many as Uncle Paul, was a respected member of the fire service whose knowledge, dedication, and passion for the profession made a lasting impact on those around him. More importantly, he cared deeply about the people in the fire service and the community he served.

His legacy will live on through the firefighters he mentored, the lives he touched, and the example he set for others in the profession.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul’s family, friends, and the entire Lowell Area Fire Department during this difficult time.

Good morning, Facebook fans!

I am just bringing to your attention that the Ada Fire Department also has an X (formerly Twitter) page. We post different content on there, so if you aren't a fan, you're missing out! Give the page a look and a like! Also.. share this so all your friends can get in on the action as well! Here's the link. https://x.com/adafiredept

Have a warm and safe weekend!