GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Feb. 20, 2025) – Kent County is pleased to announce the hiring of Chad Tackett as the new Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator. With three decades of experience in fire service and emergency management, Tackett brings a deep commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness.
“Chad’s extensive experience in fire service and emergency management will be a tremendous asset to Kent County,” said Scott Corbin, Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator. “We are excited to have him on board and confident his leadership will enhance our emergency preparedness efforts for years to come.”
Tackett began his career in 1995 with the City of Otsego Fire Department, where he rose through the ranks to Fire Chief, leading the department for nearly two decades. For the past 10 years, he has served as Fire Chief for the Texas Township Fire Department in Kalamazoo, overseeing fire, EMS, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, and emergency preparedness.
In addition to his fire service leadership, Tackett has spent more than 20 years as a Program Manager and Instructor for the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Training Center. In this role, he has trained emergency responders in hazardous materials response, terrorism preparedness, incident command, and disaster simulations. He has also played a pivotal role in strengthening regional response capabilities, including leading the Michigan Technical Rescue Team for Region 5 and MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) operations for Allegan and Kalamazoo Counties.
“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Otsego and Texas Township over the past three decades, helping communities prepare for and respond to emergencies,” said Tackett. “I’m excited to begin this new chapter with Kent County and look forward to contributing to an already strong emergency management program.”
As Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, Tackett will work oversee grant activity, strengthen community partnerships, assess specialized equipment needs for response teams, and manage public notification systems, ensuring the county remains prepared for all hazards.
Tackett’s contributions to public safety have also earned him multiple gubernatorial appointments to the Michigan Firefighters Training Council (MFFTC), where he served for over eight years, including multiple terms as chairperson.
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