A Delta College alumnus was named the new chief of the Saginaw Fire Department in July, following a successful 27-year career with the department.
Thomas Raines, who graduated from Delta in 2009 with an associate’s degree in fire science technology, began working in Saginaw as a firefighter in 1994. He worked his way up to hold several positions, including engineer, lieutenant, captain and battalion chief. In the process, he earned his degree from Delta.
But his path began nearly 30 years ago when he attended Delta for the first time, directly out of high school. He took a few classes and realized he needed more direction, so he joined the U.S. Coast Guard.
He returned to Delta years later, with a family and a drive to learn.
“Every class I took at Delta translated perfectly to what I was doing in my career at the time,” Raines said. “When you’re operating with a good knowledge base, you have a much higher chance of being successful in what you’re doing.”
As chief, Raines is responsible for the overall operation of the Saginaw Fire Department, which includes developing the agency’s budget, managing the department’s grant program and overseeing all operations and training efforts.
Raines said he’s particularly excited for the department to partner with Delta College this year to offer Saginaw area high school students the opportunity to learn about career opportunities in fire science. This fall, students can dual enroll at Delta College to get a jump start on their degree by taking classes at the Saginaw Career Complex.
“We’re trying to recruit talent from our own area,” he said. “The best way to do that is to get into the schools to offer learning and training opportunities, which will help them succeed early on in the profession.”
For the Raineses, Delta runs in the family. His wife, Judi, attended Delta and three of his children have taken classes. His daughter, Gabrielle, played for Delta’s soccer team. His son, Jack, is a recipient of a President’s Honors Scholarship and will graduate from Delta this December.
Training firefighters since 1988
Delta College’s fire science technology associate’s degree began in 1988 when a group
of firefighters in the surrounding communities approached the college about the need
for more training opportunities. The result was the fire science technology program,
with the choice to specialize in one of three areas: firefighter technician, emergency
medical services, or leadership and training.
Each student completes two years of education, which includes Delta’s Fire Academy and classroom instruction. Upon completion of all programs, graduates are eligible to be licensed Michigan firefighters.
This year, about 50 students are enrolled in the programs – ready and waiting to battle blazes and support their communities.
Interested in learning more? Contact Terry Blackmer, Program Coordinator at 989-686-9020 or terrenceblackmer@delta.edu.