By Laura Weiner
New assistant fire chief Robert Elizondo is determined and excited about his job, and his excitement shows in the work he is begining to do in Indepence Township.
Since beginning in the township fire department in January of this year, Elizondo has been making his mark. He says that is due in part because of the high bar that is set in his workplace.
‘The expectations are high here, which is what enticed me to take the job,? Elizondo said.
After 20 years with the Flint Fire Department, Elizondo says Independence Township is a nice change. ‘Things are not stagnant here. Chief Ronk is constantly working to better not only our department, but also to work with others around us,? he said.
Elizondo wants to work with the Brandon Fire Department, amongst others, so everyone can get on the same page. This is important if a large fire occurs that requires more help, Elizondo says.
‘We want everyone working with the same tools and resources,? he added.
With that in mind, Elizondo has set out to make training firefighters his mission. He introduced new technology to Independence Township firefighters, with computer simulated fires his men can work with to improve safety.
What Elizondo does is go to local businesses and take pictures of the hallways, doors, windows, rooms, everything on the interior, and then puts those pictures into a program. His men can radio to each other a plan for action.
‘Training is my passion. We lose 100 firefighters [in the country] on average every year,? Elizondo said.
Elizondo is also looking to build a children’s village in Independence Township. It would be a place that kids can come and learn about topics such as fire safety. The village would have roads and houses just like a city.
Elizondo is a busy man both at work and at home. He resides in Goodrich with his family, which includes his wife and four children. In fact, Elizondo’s 20-year-old son is following in his footsteps. He also coaches his younger kid’s sports teams, and teaches classes at Mott Community College.
‘Chief Ronk and I are looking towards a seamless vision ? a vision that is much bigger than our own community,? said Elizondo.
So far, Elizondo is making his visions a reality, and there is surely much more to come.