2/6/10 - Leslie Fire Chief Mike Fancher appreciation tribute

On Saturday, February 6, firefighters from two counties gathered to give special tribute to Leslie Fire Chief Mike Fancher. Chief Fancher, who is battling cancer, is the proud owner of a 1949 International fire truck which formerly belonged to the Leslie Fire Department. This truck is one Fancher's father served on during his tenure in the fire department, but after purchasing the truck he was unable to find the time to restore it. Several firefighters took the time over 3 weeks to make restorations to bring this truck back to running condition. It was ready to go on Saturday when they called the Chief and invited him to take it out for a test drive. As this was going on, apparatus from 16 departments gathered at the Leslie High School. When the stage was set for the surprise, the call was put out for the Chief to report to the school. As he arrived he was directed to park his truck in the corridor created by the waiting fire apparatus. Friends and family gathered in the cold to honor Chief Fancher's more than 30 years of service to the Leslie Fire Department. Mason Asst Chief Mark Howe presented the Chief with an engraved axe from the Ingham County Fire Chief's. Michigan State Representative Barb Byrum gave him a framed proclamation cosigned by Senator Valde Garcia and Governor Jennifer Granholm. Following the presentations, apparatus paraded through town, led by Fancher's 1949 fire truck, to the fire station where a small reception was held. ** PROCEEDS FROM THE PURCHASE OF ANY PHOTOGRAPH OR PRODUCT FROM THIS GALLERY WILL BE DONATED TO THE LESLIE FIREMAN'S CLUB, 4279 OAK RD, LESLIE, MI 49251 IN HONOR OF CHIEF MIKE FANCHER. **