BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Bloomfield Township Board on Monday honored the first responders who rushed to Temple Israel following an attack that drew hundreds of personnel from across the region.
“These individuals, including members of West Bloomfield’s police and fire departments, ran into the unknown to protect and defend the lives of children and adults inside the building,” said Township Supervisor Jonathan Warshay.
Warshay said more than 600 first responders from over 40 local, county, state, and federal agencies responded. More than 100 were treated for smoke inhalation after working to extinguish the fire and evacuate those inside the building.
“This event challenged every aspect of our organization, training, communication, leadership, and composure under pressure,” said West Bloomfield Police Chief Dale Young. “What we witnessed was our department responding precisely as our community expects and deserves.”
Among those recognized was Battalion Fire Chief and EMS Coordinator Blake Belsky, who helped organize the family reunification center at Shenandoah Country Club.
“We focus a lot on response to the emergency, and we usually just assume it’s someone else’s job to set up the after care and the ongoing operations that kind of happen in the shadows,” Belsky said.
Belsky said his training couldn’t have prepared him for the emotional task of reuniting families after the attack.
“It was scared kids and scared teachers evacuating these kids and then realizing they need to put on a brave face and make sure the kids are calm and cared for,” Belsky said. “It was a lot of worried parents in the lobby, waiting to be let in to see their own kids — and just waves of relief when they got to hold those kids in their arms.”
Deputy Chief Mark Lowry said 43 people from the West Bloomfield Fire Department responded to the attack, though only 22 were on duty at the time.
The rest all volunteered to help, something he said reflects the department’s character.
“I can’t thank them enough,” Lowry said. “My staff is the most professional and kind staff, period. I’m fortunate to have the honor to lead them.”
Updates on Temple Israel’s rebuilding efforts and information on how to donate are available through the temple’s website.