The lack of “affordable” housing in the county has several fire/rescue departments using labor from outside the peninsula.
At least three departments are staffed with firefighters/paramedics from downstate — working their shifts (48 hours) and going back to their homes in Big Rapids, Manton, Flint and Saginaw. Other “local” staff lives in Benzie or Grand Traverse counties, which offer more affordable housing options.
Much has changed in emergency services since John DePuy began firefighting in 1972. Fifty years ago, departments had an all-volunteer staff.
“All you needed was a truck with a red light and a pair of rubber boots,” said DePuy, who served as Glen Arbor fire chief from 1994 through 2006.
“My first call was a grassfire on Miller Hill. John Stanz and Frank Basch hopped on the truck, stopped at Art’s and waited 20 seconds. Whoever got there, went to the fire.”
However, in 1978, passage of law at the state level, mandated that firefighters have at least Level I training — an 88-hour course. Another law required that a licensed emergency medical technician occupy the ambulance bay with patients.
“Every department in the county had volunteer firefighters,” he said.
Crews were alerted to fires, stopped what they were doing and responded. But this changed in the early 1990s.
When DePuy served as fire chief, his department couldn’t find volunteers.
“It’s was hard for people with jobs (businesses) to take time to respond or complete the training requirements,” DePuy said.
It was then that his department, like many others facing the same dilemma, began compensating former volunteers as part-time/paid employees.
Fast forward to 2025, all county fire department are primarily manned with professional staff with support from paid volunteers.
However, some departments have been having a hard time attracting talent, due some say to the lack of affordable housing.
The same is true for law enforcement.
The average sale price for homes in Leelanau County last year was $810,931. The median sales price was $570,000.
“There are a lot of qualified paramedics who would love to work here,” DePuy said. “They make good money, but it’s hard for them to afford a $200,000 mortgage on $75,000 to $80,000 per year.”
Anyone able to make the move, already has property here or family in the county.
Leelanau County in Michigan has a significant older population, with a median age of 55.2. In 2022, 34% of the population was 65 or older, according to USAFacts. This represents a significant increase from the 23.5% in 2010.
In 2022, Leelanau County’s senior population (60 and older) accounted for 42% of the total population, with 51% being 60-69 years old, 34% being 70-79, and 16% being 80 and older. The number of seniors registered with Leelanau County Senior Services (LCSS) increased by 12% since 2023, reaching 2,664 in 2024.
Much of the increase coincides with baby boomers relocating from elsewhere to retire in Leelanau County.
Many take for granted the swift response times they had in more metropolitan areas and aren’t aware of the capabilities of rural fire departments. Response times for rural departments are longer.
“People don’t realize that when they get there,” DePuy said. “Leelanau County is becoming an exclusive area for the rich and famous.”
