501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Gaylord, Michigan

Gaylord Firefighters' Association

Supporting the brave men and women of the Otsego County Fire Department — through safety, training, and community unity.

🖤 Support Our Crew Our Story →
Who We Are

Rooted in Gaylord,
built on service

The Gaylord Firefighters' Association has been a cornerstone of northern Michigan for generations. We are a dedicated group of men and women who answer the call — not for recognition, but because this community is our home.

Beyond emergency response, we work to educate, support, and strengthen the bonds that make Gaylord the close-knit community it is. From school visits to neighborhood fundraisers, we're here every step of the way.

Our association supports active firefighters, retirees, and their families — because those who serve deserve to be taken care of, too.

70+
Years of Service
40+
Active Members
500+
Calls Per Year
100%
Community Funded
Our Mission

Safety. Training.
Community.

"Dedicated to promoting safety, training, fostering community through education, collaboration and unity by supporting the firefighters of the Otsego County Fire Department." Mission Statement
🛡️

Safety & Training

We promote safety and invest in rigorous training so Otsego County firefighters are always prepared to protect our community.

🎓

Education

Through outreach and education programs, we help our community understand fire prevention and emergency preparedness.

🤝

Collaboration & Unity

We foster a spirit of brotherhood and build strong community partnerships — supporting our firefighters, their families, and uniting Gaylord behind the people who protect it.

Community Calendar

Upcoming Events

30
May 2026

Forcible Entry Fundraiser

Hands-on training open to all skill levels. Students practice forcible entry techniques across multiple stations. Limited to 20 firefighters.

$125 Registration Per Firefighter · All proceeds benefit GFA's Training Facility Project

Register Now →
🕘 9 AM–1 PM 📍 811 S. Wisconsin Ave
20
Jun 2026

Annual Pancake Breakfast

Our beloved community tradition — all proceeds go toward new training equipment. Everyone welcome.

🕗 8 AM–12 PM 📍 811 S. Wisconsin Ave
14
Jul 2026

Burning of the Böög

Otsego County Fire participates in Gaylord's beloved Alpine tradition. Watch our crew in action as we light the Böög at dusk — training demonstration begins at 6:30 PM.

🔥 6:30 PM · Lighting at Dusk 📍 Downtown, Gaylord
Event Flyers
Leadership

Board of Directors

👩‍🚒
Libby Benjamin
President
👨‍🚒
Dan Rypkowski
Vice President
👨‍🚒
Kenneth Gibson
Secretary / Treasurer

RESTORATION PROJECT

Save 42

1942 G.F.D. Chevrolet fire truck at sunset

📷 Photo: Kenneth Gibson

Built in 1942 in Detroit, this fire truck spent decades at the heart of Gaylord — from the Tuberculosis Sanatorium to the streets of Alpenfest, answering calls through fires like the Audrain Hardware blaze as the GFD's second engine. She's been quiet too long. We're bringing her back.

If you'd like to support the restoration, donate through Venmo to @GaylordFirefighters with the memo "Save 42."

Get In Touch

We'd love to hear from you

📍
Location
PO Box 341
Gaylord, MI 49734
✉️
📘
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Emergency
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