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 The Canton Fire Department is headed by Fire Chief Michael Rorabacher, who has been with the department over 32 years. The Fire Department is divided into three main components - fire prevention, fire suppression, and emergency medical service.
Emergency Medical Services or EMS accounts for approximately 70% of all fire runs. Canton's firefighter/paramedics utilize the latest equipment and training to ensure that patients receive the best pre-hospital care possible. Duties include starting IV's, administering drugs when necessary, employing heart monitors, using advanced airway techniques, dressing wounds, providing oxygen and monitoring vital signs. These advanced procedures will extend the time spent on-scene, but this emergency room type care can make a real difference in overall recovery. Firefighter/paramedics undergo extensive training and certifications in emergency medical service every year.
 Technology, training and dedication are the tools used by the Canton Fire Department to fight fires in our community. The department utilizes four state-of-the-art pumper trucks, a tanker truck and a highly mobile grass-fire unit. A heavy rescue unit is also used on fire runs as a means of carrying large equipment.
Advances in technology have also helped firefighters do a better job of fighting fires. The department has two thermal imaging cameras that allow firefighters to literally see through smoke. The camera can spot fire victims and also show firefighters "hot spots" after all flames appear to be extinguished. Along with all of this technology and equipment comes proper training. The fire department conducts on-going training for firefighters so that their fire fighting techniques stay sharp and updated.
 The Fire Prevention unit is lead by Fire Marshall Frank Barrett. He and his staff of three fire inspectors are responsible for making sure new and existing buildings meet fire code regulations. Fire prevention also uses a variety of methods to educate the public, including CPR and first aid classes, fire prevention consulting and the use of the department's fire safety house for children. Through a consistent effort, the fire prevention unit has been able to substantially reduce the number of fires in the community.
 The fire department is a member of the Western Wayne County Mutual Aid Association. This is a consortium of 24 departments in Western Wayne, Washtenaw and Oakland Counties. Their agreement allows consortium members to provide reciprocal services for each other when requested. Mutual aid is typically used when a department's resources are exhausted. Mutual aid also consists of a HAZMAT team of firefighters specially trained to respond to incidents where hazardous materials are present.
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