One person is dead after a house fire early this morning in the 2300 block of Collingwood Avenue SW.
At approximately 4:45 a.m. on April 18, 2024, the Wyoming Fire Department responded to a report of a fully involved structure fire at a residence in the 2300 block of Collingwood Avenue SW.
When firefighters arrived at the residence, they discovered that the fire had already spread through a significant portion of the home. Firefighters began extinguishing the flames while simultaneously searching for anyone that might be inside the home.
After the flames had adequately been controlled, firefighters discovered a body in the upper level of the house. The body has been identified as that of 42-year-old Sarah Martin, the sole resident of the home.
Fire investigation ongoing
At this point the cause of the fire has not been determined. The Wyoming Fire Inspector is working with State Police Fire Investigators to determine the origin point and cause of the fire. Wyoming Police Detectives are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this fire and will be working with Fire Investigators to determine whether or not foul play is involved.
During this incident, the Wyoming Fire Department received mutual aid from both the Grand Rapids and Grandville Fire Departments. We are grateful for these partnerships and for their assistance.
Anyone with any information regarding this fire is asked to contact Wyoming Police Detectives at 616- 530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
The Wyoming Fire Department is investigating a recent structure fire in a large commercial building (Courtesy photo)
By Wyoming Fire Department
Firemen from four departments responded to the scene of the fire (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
At approximately 9:15 p.m. on Feb. 28, the Wyoming Fire Department responded to a structure fire in a large commercial building in the 5200 block of South Division Ave.
The first arriving fire units observed heavy fire and smoke conditions coming from within the building. There were no reported injuries because of the fire.
The Wyoming Fire Department was notified of this fire from a passerby who stopped to call 911. There were reports of two explosions and flames coming from the building.
Given this information, Wyoming Fire requested assistance from neighboring departments including the Grand Rapids Fire Department, Kentwood Fire Department and Cutlerville Fire Department. With this added response, the 35 firefighters on scene were able to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing it from fully spreading to the remainder of the warehouse and front office area.
Fire safety and preparedness
While the cause of the fire is currently under investigation, the Wyoming Fire Department is taking this opportunity to remind the community about the importance of fire safety and preparedness.
Please ensure that fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and fire alarms are regularly inspected and maintained. Keep all fire exits clear of obstructions to allow quick evacuation of a structure if needed.
Take steps to ensure fire safety and preparedness in your home or business (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The Wyoming Fire Department is committed to promoting fire safety and prevention within our community. By taking proactive measures, we can work together to reduce the risk of fire related incidents.
Wyoming FD is seeking information
This incident is currently being investigated by the Wyoming Fire Marshal’s Office. Anyone with additional information regarding this fire is asked to contact the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Investigator at 616-257-9764.
Wyoming PD continues to investigate fatal crash on South Division Avenue (Courtesy photo)
By Wyoming Police Department
One person is dead, and two are injured after a crash in the 3200 block of South Division Avenue.
At approximately 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 23, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 3200 block of South Division Avenue on the report of a crash involving two vehicles. Department of Public Safety personnel arrived and found one of the involved vehicles on fire. The fire was quickly extinguished by WYFD personnel.
Wyoming Fire Department (Courtesy, Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Preliminary investigation indicates after the two vehicles collided one then struck a utility pole and caught fire. A 35-year-old female resident of Wyoming, who was a passenger in the car that hit the pole, died at the scene. Additionally, two individuals sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment.
Drivers of both vehicles remained at the scene to speak with investigators. Speed and alcohol are not believed to be factors in this incident.
The Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this crash.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Firefighters quickly contained the fire, preventing damage to the entire structure (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By Wyoming Fire Department
(Courtesy photo)
At approximately 7:00 a.m. on Jan. 25, the Wyoming Fire Department responded to a residential house fire in the 3500 block of Bluebird Avenue SW.
The first arriving fire units observed smoke coming from the home and they made entry. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire preventing it from fully spreading to the remainder of the structure.
Everyone was able to safely evacuate the home and there were no reported injuries to persons or pets.
The Wyoming Fire Department was notified of this fire emergency through the quick actions of homeowners who called 911. The Wyoming Fire Department received mutual aid from the Grandville Fire Department.
Safety reimnders
Residents are reminded to prioritize fire safety measures by ensuring your home is equipped with smoke detectors, have a fire escape plan, and avoid leaving cooking or burning candles unattended. Also, avoid overloading electrical outlets and regularly check and maintain your home heating system.
Anyone with additional information regarding this fire is asked to contact the Wyoming Fire Marshal’s Office at 616-257-9764.
As 2023 drew to a close this last weekend, Wyoming first responders provided aid at three separate and emergency incidents.
Fatal accident leaves one dead
Wyoming Police Department investigate a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
One person is dead after a crash in the 2100 block of Clyde Park Avenue.
At approximately 7:55 p.m. on Dec. 28, 2023, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 2100 block of Clyde Park Avenue on a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.
The pedestrian, a 53-year-old male resident of the Grand Rapids area, died at the scene. Initial investigation indicates the pedestrian was standing in the roadway when he was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on Clyde Park Avenue. The driver remained at the scene to speak with investigators.
At this time, alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in this incident.
The Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units continue to investigate this crash. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530- 7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Structure fire
At approximately 5:45 am on Dec. 29, 2023, the Wyoming Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a duplex located in the 2900 block of Burlingame Avenue SW.
No injuries resulted from the garage fire (Supplied)
The first arriving fire units observed significant fire coming from the garage. The responding units were able to contain and extinguish the fire, working quickly so that the impact to the living spaces of the home was limited to minimal smoke and fire damage. There were no reported injuries to people or pets.
Tenants affected by this fire are currently receiving assistance from the Red Cross for temporary shelter, food, and other essential services while necessary repairs are made.
The Wyoming Fire Department commends the quick thinking and proactive response of a neighbor who reported the fire. Their alertness played a crucial role in enabling a swift and effective response. We would also like to thank the Grandville Fire Department along with the Georgetown Township Fire Department for their assistance on this fire.
This fire incident is currently being investigated by the Wyoming Fire Marshal’s Office. Anyone with additional information regarding is asked to contact the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Investigator at 616-257-9764.
Walmart shooting leaves two injured
Two are injured after a shooting inside Walmart store.
At approximately 6 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2023, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to Walmart (355 54th Street SW) on multiple reports of a shooting that occurred inside the business.
Wyoming Police Department responded swiftly to reports of multiple gunshots at Walmart store (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV Staff)
Officers located a female victim suffering from a gunshot wound inside the store. The female was treated at the scene and transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
While investigating this incident, a male suffering from a gunshot wound arrived at an area hospital; this individual was found to be related to this incident. The suspect was armed with a handgun and described as an individual wearing a black parka-style coat with fur around the collar of the hood, a red sweatshirt, and dark pants.
A second person was seen with the suspect during this incident, this individual was wearing a black sweatshirt with white lettering across the chest, a black mask, and light-colored pants. Walmart was evacuated and will be closed for business while police investigate this incident.
It should be noted that this appeared to be a targeted attack toward the male; additionally, the female was found to be an innocent bystander struck by gunfire. Currently, there are no suspects related to this incident in police custody.
The Wyoming Police Investigative Division and Forensic Science Unit continue to investigate this incident. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Quick response times helped minimize damage in Wyoming apartment fire (Courtesy, WKTV)
By Wyoming Fire Department
At approximately 2 a.m., the Wyoming Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a 36-unit apartment building in the 2200 block of Michael Ave S.W.
The first arriving fire units observed smoke coming from within one of the units. The responding units were able to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing it from fully spreading to the remainder of the apartment building. There were no reported injuries to people or pets.
The Wyoming Fire Department was notified of this fire by an observant tenant who smelled smoke. The tenant’s quick call to 911 allowed the fire department to respond quickly and minimize damage.
Displaced resident support
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Twelve units were affected by this fire. Those residents are currently receiving support from the Property Management Company and the Red Cross for temporary shelter, food, and other essential services while necessary repairs are made.
The Wyoming Fire Department wishes to thank our Red Cross partners who quickly arrived on scene and assisted with the needs of the displaced residents. We appreciate their commitment to the community as they provide crucial support to those affected by fires.
The fire is currently under investigation. Anyone with additional information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Investigator at 616-257-9764.
The Wyoming Fire Department is investigating a residential house fire on Averill Avenue (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By WKTV Staff
At approximately 11:45am, the Wyoming Fire Department responded to a residential house fire in the 5600 block of Averill Avenue.
(Courtesy, WKTV)
The first arriving fire units observed smoke coming from the home. The Wyoming Fire Department was able to contain and quickly extinguish the fire, preventing it from fully spreading to the remainder of the structure. There were no reported injuries to people or pets.
The Wyoming Fire Department was notified of this fire by observant neighbors and their quick call to 911 saved valuable time.
Residents are reminded to prioritize fire safety measures, including having working smoke alarms, developing well-rehearsed evacuation plans and meeting place, and also the education of everyone in the home how to dial 911 in an emergency.
Anyone with additional information regarding this fire is asked to contact the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Investigator at 616-257-9764.
The Wyoming Fire Department responded to a garage fire on Nov. 11 (Courtesy, Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
By Wyoming Fire Department
At approximately 3:45 p.m. on Nov. 11, Wyoming Fire Department responded to a garage fire in the 2000 block of Wyoming Avenue.
The first arriving fire units observed a well-involved attached garage fire that was spreading into the home. There were no reported injuries as residents were able to evacuate the home safely. Wyoming Fire Department contained and extinguished the fire preventing it from fully extending to the rest of the home. The Red Cross was notified to assist the homeowners.
Wyoming Fire Department encourages practicing regular fire safety measures such as checking your homes smoke alarms, having a well-rehearsed evacuation plan and meeting place.
Anyone with additional information regarding this fire is asked to contact the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Investigator at 616-257-9764.
During a summer market, a Wyoming firefighter sends a message about safety. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
The City of Wyoming is inviting community members to participate in National Night Out events throughout the city on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out encourages residents to turn on their porch lights and gather with their neighbors, community leaders, and police and fire personnel.
Wyoming police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at multiple gatherings across the city. Most events will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and residents will have the opportunity to explore police and fire equipment, including police cruisers, fire trucks and other emergency response vehicles, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics. Community members can also visit with the Wyoming Police Department K9 team.
“National Night Out is something staff and our community look forward to each year,” Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema said. “Our team is looking forward to another fun year of building relationships with our residents and having a good time while connecting with the community we serve.”
Give me five: A resident gives a Wyoming police officer a high-five. (WKTV)
Lt. Kirt Zuiderveen of the Wyoming Police Department agreed. “People are busier than they’ve ever been. It’s a great night for people to go outside the house, lock their doors, turn the lights on, and meet the neighbors,” Zuiderveen said.
The department will hold community events at Lamar Park, Celebration Cinema Rivertown, Grace Christian University, Grace Christian Reformed Church and The Door Church.
Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Celebration Cinema, 3728 Rivertown Pkwy from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Grace Christian University, 1011 Aldon St. SW from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a fire truck water activity at 5:45 p.m.
Grace Christian Reformed Church, 3030 Burlingame Ave SW from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Door Church, 154 44th St. SW, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“Spending time and having fun with residents is important for all of our officers and firefighters as we work to build and strengthen relationships in our community,” said Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster. “National Night Out allows us to connect with residents in a positive and meaningful way. We are looking forward to returning to connecting with community members across our city.”
Zuiderveen said residents benefit from knowing their neighbors. “[Neighbors] watch out for each other. They build relationships, they build trust. There is safety in numbers,” Zuiderveen continued. “If you are a victim of a crime, you are more willing to share it with your neighbors if there is trust.”
National Night Out began in the 1984 with a group of law enforcement agencies, volunteers, neighborhood watch groups, and state and regional crime prevention associations. It grew from porch vigils to neighborhood celebrations to promote safety in communities and build relationships with public safety.
To learn more about the National Night Out, visit natw.org
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters have announced $45,644 for the Wyoming Fire Department to help purchase equipment. This grant comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program.
“Our firefighters in Wyoming put their lives on the line to protect our families and homes,” said Senator Stabenow. “It is important that these brave men and women have the equipment they need to help them do their jobs each and every day.”
“Families in Wyoming rely on firefighters to protect their homes, businesses, families and their personal safety from potential hazards,” said Senator Peters. “We must support our firefighters and first responders with the equipment to help them respond to fires and other critical emergencies.”
Eligible fire departments and Emergency Medical Services organizations in Michigan and across the country can apply for Assistance to Firefighters Grants. These competitive grants help first responders purchase the equipment and obtain the training needed to handle fire-related hazards. More information about the grant can be found here.
About 75 percent of the calls received by the Wyoming Fire Department is for chest pains, difficulty breathing, or similar medical needs but up until now, only some of the department’s firefighters were able to administer an EpiPen, monitor blood glucose, or simply provide aspirin.
By 2017, all of the City of Wyoming’s full-time firefighters will be able to provide a variety of vital treatments because of a Metro Health Hospital Foundation grant covering the cost for the necessary emergency medical technician training along with allowing the Wyoming Fire Department to upgrade its status.
“We have had to look at a person and the symptoms they were having to determine what is happening,” said Brad Dornbos, a firefighter and EMS coordinator for Wyoming. “Being able to poke their finger to test their blood makes it quicker and a much more efficient way to do that.”
The Metro Health Hospital Foundation awarded Wyoming a $10,000 grant providing funding for 27 full-time firefighters to be trained as emergency medical technicians, or EMTS. Dornbos said about two-thirds of the department already are certified EMTs, which requires about 150 hours of training. Without the grant, Dornbos said he is not certain the Department would have been able to offer the trainings.
The grant also allows the for department to upgrade its status from medical first responder (MFR) to EMT. This means that firefighters can provide treatment such as albuterol for those with asthma, king tubes for breathing assistance and operate CPAP devices used for patients with congestive heart failure.
“Operating at the EMT level allows our department to provide better care and better service to our residents,” Dornbos said. “It is just really awesome to be able to partner with a local hospital to provide better care to the community.”
In addition to providing the EMT training for certification, the grant will also fund the purchase of six EMT bags, which will contain medications and equipment, including CPAP devices, albuterol, and king tubes.
“Metro Health is a community hospital,” said Metro Health Hospital Foundation Board Chair Mike Damstra. “In this case, that means helping to equip our firefighters to improve patient outcomes.”
Dornbos said this is the first time the department has received a grant from the Foundation. He learned about the Foundation and its desire to partner with Wyoming at a Kent County EMS meeting. From there, the two groups worked together on needs for the department.
The Foundation has indicated it plans to continue its partnership with the department by providing additional financial support for future years to maintain the EMT program and and instructor development.
It’s hard to imagine driving your car with a flat tire or an airbag that doesn’t work, right? Having either of those problems would make your car significantly more dangerous to you and your passengers. Since both of those seem like a no-brainer, why is it so difficult to properly protect our most precious cargo, our children, in a properly secured child safety seat?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, four out of five car seats are improperly installed. To add to the concern and need for a properly fitting car seat, government statistics show that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for kids aged 2-14.
So, it’s time to make sure your child’s car seat is properly fitted! As part of the Safe Kids of Greater Grand Rapids program, Fire Station No. 1 in Wyoming will be inspecting car seats on January 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. The fire station is located at 1500 Burton St. SW.
Car seat installation errors range anywhere from an incorrect recline angle (especially for young infants) to problems with the vehicle safely belt being too loose, not locked, or not correctly routed through the child seat.
Here are some tests from Safe Kids to make sure your car seat is installed correctly:
• Inch Test – Once your car seat is installed, give it a good tug at the base where the seat belt goes through it. Can you move it more than an inch side to side or front to back? A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.
• Pinch Test – Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check your car seat manual). With the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you’re good to go.
• For both rear and forward-facing child safety seats, use either the car’s seat belt or the lower attachments, and for forward-facing seats, use the top tether to lock the car seat in place. Don’t use both the lower attachments and seat belt at the same time. They are equally safe, so pick the one that gives you the best fit!
You can pre-register for a car seat inspection by calling Safe Kids of Greater Grand Rapids at 616-391-7233 ext. 2. It’s important that your kids are safe!
On Saturday, December 19, children near the Godfrey-Lee school district right here in Wyoming, MI received a surprise gift sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Thanks to the 11th annual Elves & More West Michigan project, 1,800 kids went home as brand-new bike owners.
Each year, organizers of Elves & More decide on an area of need in West Michigan, and bring Christmas joy to families by giving away bikes to kids age 3-16. The location is kept secret until the morning of the giveaway, and then the message is released in a hurry! Families in the Godfrey-Lee area were alerted by a last-minute text through the school district, and the Wyoming police and fire department rolled through neighborhoods announcing the giveaway from their loudspeakers.
This year, 300 volunteers unloaded a bevy of bikes from semi-trucks and set up at Lee Middle and High school off of Havana Avenue.
Elves & More is a non-profit organization devoted to bringing hope to children. They do this by raising funds to purchase, assemble and deliver high-quality bikes and treasure boxes to 1,000 children each holiday season.
In the past 11 years, Elves & More West Michigan has provided 11,800 new bikes and helmets to children in need around Grand Rapids.
Last year, 1,500 bikes were donated in Southeast Grand Rapids.
If you’re looking to get involved for next holiday season, visit Elves & More West Michigan! A donation of $65 buys one lucky child a bike and a helmet. This past year, 13 corporate donors helped provide the 1,800 bikes now tearing up the black top in Godfrey-Lee!
Every year as the chills of fall set in, seniors compete in the coveted Bayberry Farms Village Chili Cook-Off. The steaming hot pots of chili presented for the October 23, 2015 competition included white and tomato based chilies, hot to mild.
This year’s lighthearted competition was judged by a team of jovial, yet highly-respected, Wyoming Firefighters. The winner of the 2015 Annual Bayberry Farms Village Chili Cook-Off was Ms. Ruby Roberts. After winning Second Place for two years in a row, Ruby tweaked her delicious white chili recipe to make it become the favorite chili of the day! Her mixture of chicken, white beans, cheeses and secret ingredients was the hands down favorite. Congratulations, Ruby!
Ruby intends to keep her recipe secret at this time as she is determined to win future competitions!
However, another big hit and highly requested recipe was “Catherine’s Cornbread.” It is not dry like a typical cornbread and not as fluid as a corn casserole. When firefighters ask for the recipe, you know it is good!
Catherine’s Cornbread
Ingredients:
Two Jumbo Eggs (Or Three Large Eggs)
1 Can Cream Corn
1 Can Drained Whole Corn
¼ Cup Sugar
2 Packages Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
Splash of Milk
Directions:
Mix the eggs, both corns and sugar together until well blended. Stir in the corn muffin mix. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
Pour into a greased 9 x 11 dish.
Bake at 350 (325 for glass dish) until toothpick in center comes out clean (around 20 or so minutes) and top is golden brown.
Do not over bake.
It’s time to honor our local law enforcement officers and firefighters!
Join Steve’s Antique Auto Repair and other local businesses on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, for their Second Annual Police & Fire Appreciation Day from 12-3 pm at 1803 Farragut SW, Wyoming, Mich. Area restaurants like Main Street Pub, Tommy Brann’s, and others are providing food and refreshments. Expect a most excellent cake from Marge’s Donut Den.
Lately, the media has focused on the acts of a few bad cops. That gives people a skewed perception and often incites violence against law enforcement officers. Steve’s Antique Auto Repair wants to help change that perception.
“The police are always here for us, and we never take the time to give a big thank-you to them,” says Harriet Sturim, PR Manager of Steve’s Antique Auto Repair.
Husband, Rick, and son, Steve own the business, which repairs cars 1972 and older—before the advent of computers and catalytic converters, back when you could put an ear toward the engine and figure out the problem.
“The police are very involved in our community,” says Sturim. “They come to business meetings and keep us informed about crime in the area or bad checks circulating. They patrol our businesses at night and leave a business card letting us know that all was well at 2:00 a.m. We need the police, and we support them.”
Expect to see some cool cruisers, crime scene vans, EMT rescue ambulances, and big fire trucks. The public is welcome to join in the festivities, but no unescorted kids are allowed. “Parents must keep an eye on their small children at all times,” says Sturim. “This is an active garage, with machinery, tools, and cars.”
