Firefighters Association
A word from our Association President…
On behalf of the men and women of the Brighton Area Fire Fighters Association (BAFFA), thank you for taking a moment to learn more about who we are and what we stand for.
BAFFA is built on the pride, dedication, and unity that define the fire service. Beyond the calls we answer, our members are deeply committed to serving and supporting the Brighton community we’re proud to protect. Each year, we host and take part in events that bring our community together — including our Annual Open House, Halloween Party, Adopt-a-Family program, scholarship awards, and our reflective address sign initiative that helps improve emergency response.
Our giving extends beyond these events through donations to multiple charities and the long-standing tradition of ringing bells for the Salvation Army, reminding us that service doesn’t stop at the station door.
BAFFA also works to preserve the history and traditions of our department — keeping alive the stories, documents, and artifacts that tell our 130-year journey. A part of that effort includes the ongoing restoration of Antique 37, our historic ladder truck, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the legacy and craftsmanship of those who came before us.
Thank you for your continued support of the Brighton Area Fire Fighters Association and the dedicated brothers and sisters who make it what it is. Together, we honor our past, serve our present, and build our future.
Capt. Andrew D. Piskorowski, President
Brighton Area Fire Fighters Association
“Public safety is one of the most rewarding fields you can work in, helping people during one of the worst times in their lives and assisting them through it is a true sense of accomplishment to mankind,” says Former BAFFA President Greg Mowbray. “With this scholarship, we are setting the ground work and giving that young individual the chance of greatness, much like Fred Gillespie provided during his long career”.
Congratulations to Brooklyn Hayes and Alex Petrucci for earning a scholarship for 2025!
The Brighton Area Fire Fighters Association is please to support the higher education of young men and women who are graduating from high school and pursuing a degree in either Fire Services, Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services or Emergency Management.
The Fred Gillespie Public Safety Scholarship will award a $1000 scholarship to a single student that lives in or around the Brighton Area Fire Authority response area.
The scholarship honors Mr Fred Gillespie who was a long time member of the Brighton City Fire Department, Howell Fire Department, and Livingston County EMS. Fred also played a very important roll in restoring and preserving Brighton Area Fire Authorities 1937 GMC open cab pumper. This was the first brand new piece of apparatus that Brighton was able to purchase, which is now a treasured piece of our history. Fred Gillespie played a very important roll in all three of those organizations, and embodied what a true first responder is.
In the passing of Fred Gillespie in 2010, his family approached the department and wanted to make a donation in his name. It was with great honor that we were able to create this scholarship so Fred’s name can live on by giving young individuals the chance to achieve further education and give back to their community.
Adopt A Family – Christmas
The Brighton Area Firefighters Association’s Adopt-a-Family Committee is continues its mission each year to cover families, and children, and send care packages to United States Service Members in the holiday season.
Each year we donate items of need for children and adults for families in our area found through working with the Brighton Area Schools. This includes sponsoring the local charity – Christmas Elf Holiday Giving Program.
We also provide care packages to our friends and families that have service members deployed. These are usually filled with favorite foods, snacks, some local items and a t-shirt.
Ringing the Bell for a Cause
Each holiday season, members of the Brighton Area Fire Fighters Association proudly volunteer their time to ring the bell for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. It’s one of our favorite traditions — a chance to give back, spread a little cheer, and support families in need across our community. Whether it’s a friendly smile, a handshake, or a donation in the kettle, every bit helps make the season brighter for someone else.