Chiefs
Michael Yanz
Chief/Director
Director/Fire Chief Michael Yanz began his adult career in the information technology field serving positions in PC repair, network engineering and administration, systems administration, and chief information officer. Seeking to serve and support the community, Chief Yanz joined the local paid-on-call fire department near his home in 2000 where he completed coursework and certification for Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2 and licensed Medical First Responder. This opened the door to a new career. By July 2007, Chief Yanz had attained his paramedic license and full-time employment with the Delhi Township Fire Department building his skills in fire and EMS including becoming an instructor and instructor coordinator for fire, MFR, EMT and Paramedic.
2016 brought a new opportunity. Chief Yanz was selected to serve as interim Director/Fire Chief for the Northeast Ingham Emergency Services Authority (NIESA) and accepted the permanent appointment to the position mid-year. Since accepting the new role, he has completed certification and licensure for fire investigation, fire inspector and plan review. His most recent accomplishment is completing a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration with a minor in Fire Investigation from Columbia Southern University.
Dedication to serving communities is engrained for Chief Yanz. Past positions as a deputized mounted officer for the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Division, Ingham County Fair 4H Horse Superintendent, Ingham County 4H Horse Committee Chairperson, 4H leader, Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association Executive Board chairperson, and high school equestrian team coach helped provide guidance and positive direction for many young adults and youth. That same dedication continues as a member of the Capital Area Peer Support group that provides support to the fire/EMS community through provisioning of resources supporting the emotional and mental well-being of firefighters and EMS personnel, and as the Ingham County Fair Board president working to provide fun and safe events for the surrounding communities.
Don Drent
Deputy Chief
Deputy Chief Donald R. Drent is a second generation Fire Fighter, following the career path of his father.
In January of 1977 Chief Drent entered the United States Air Force and served his country as Fire Protection Specialist stationed in New Mexico and the Republic of Turkey. In April 1982 Chief Drent was assigned to the 3340th Technical Training Group at Chanute Air Force Base Illinois. During his tenure he achieved his Master Instructor Certification, while teaching Fire Protection Specialist’s course, Crash Rescue Fire Fighting, Advanced Rescue and the Fire Chiefs Fire Ground and Command course.
In April of 1992 Chief Drent was selected and assigned to the Department of Defense Manned Space Flight, based at Edwards Air Force Base California. In this assignment Chief Drent was the lead instructor for the Space Shuttle System and Rescue Operations. Chief Drent provided specialized training for Firefighters throughout world to supporting NASA’s flight operations.
In May 1994, Chief Drent retired and was honorably discharged from the United State Air Force. Throughout his tenure Chief Drent obtained the following IFSCA/ProBoard Certifications, Fire Fighter II, Fire Instructor I, II and III, Fire Inspector I & II, Fire Investigation I & II, Driver/Pumper Operator, ARFF Operator, Fire Officer I.
In addition to meeting the requirements of Michigan Fire Fighting Training Council (MFFTC),Firefighter II, Fire Instructor I, II & III, Fire Officer I, McNeil EVOC Drivers Training Instructor, ISFSI 1403 Live Fire Instructor.
Chief Dent’s passion is creating a culture for firefighters, which is a positive learning environment. Allowing the organization to be the best at what they do. One community One Team.
