GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Not even a month after the horrific mass shooting and arson attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, an email from township leadership placing its fire chief on leave has firefighters and community members on edge.
Multiple sources tell Local 4 that staffing levels within the Grand Blanc Township Fire Department have become so dangerous that firefighters have simply gotten lucky — several times.
Now, many fear that next time, they may not be.
The message, sent by Township Superintendent Dennis Liimatta, stated: “Effective immediately, Chief Jent is on administrative leave until further notice.”
The email also said the department’s deputy chief would assume Chief Jamie Jent’s responsibilities beginning Monday, October 20, 2025.
According to the township’s website, Chief Jent joined Grand Blanc Township in April after spending 24 years with the Dearborn Fire Department.
But multiple sources, all speaking under the condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation, said the leave came after Chief Jent and the department’s union president publicly raised concerns about what they call “dangerously low staffing levels” — particularly the number of firefighters on duty per shift and per truck.
Sources told Local 4 that while national standards recommend a minimum of four firefighters per truck in low-volume areas — a number that can vary depending on mutual aid agreements — Grand Blanc Township does not have automatic assistance from neighboring departments.
“100 percent of the time, the department runs with three or fewer firefighters — often just two,” one source said. “The department is nowhere near meeting [the standard] at all… and it shouldn’t cost a chief his career — someone who is doing everything right.”
Another source, also afraid of retaliation, told Local 4 that Chief Jent “has done nothing but prove he is a great leader,” calling his leave “completely unwarranted.”
When Local 4 reached out to Superintendent Dennis Liimatta for comment, he declined an on-camera interview, instead issuing a written statement:
“Grand Blanc Township has a long-standing policy against commenting publicly on any internal personnel matters out of respect for our employees.”
The President of the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union, Matthew Sahr, also issued a statement to Local 4, saying in part:
“Following the horrific tragedy in Grand Blanc Township, our members remain committed to serving their community. Part of this service includes political action through meaningful dialogue with decision makers and residents about improving emergency services, staffing and preparedness. I commend President Oxford and the members of 4962, and all other parties for their willingness to advocate for the residents and visitors of Grand Blanc Township.”
Sources said Chief Jent was brought in to address “long-standing issues within the department,” but his push to improve conditions — including advocating for at least four firefighters — reportedly faced resistance due to budget concerns.
“The department was very limited at the church event because of the staffing levels,” one source said.
Ten days ago, sources said the firefighters’ union sent letters to township board members raising safety concerns.
In response, sources said they were warned their actions could have “unintended negative consequences.”
A public meeting is scheduled for October 28, 2025.
Firefighters and community members who support Chief Jent plan to speak out at the meeting.
The Michigan Association of Fire Fighters released the following statement on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025:
“On behalf of the Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF), representing the part-time Firefighters of Grand Blanc Township, we would like to assure the community that their safety and security are of utmost importance to the members of MAFF. Through the recent circumstances involving Chief Jent and with the tragic events of the LDS Church incident still fresh in our minds, operational challenges within the Township’s Fire Department have brought about some concern. The Firefighters of Grand Blanc Township stand in full support of Chief Jent and his ability to lead the Grand Blanc Township Fire Department. MAFF is committed to meeting and conferring with Township officials, its Fire Chief and Firefighters to reach a fair and reasonable solution. This unified goal is to support the fire department’s operations and ensure staffing levels meet community expectations, effectively mitigating emergencies as they arise through effective leadership and personnel.
Statement signed by MAFF Director Chad Trussler and Grand Blanc Part-Time Fire Fighters Association President Alex Newton