For 56 years, Capt. Harold “Red” Skinner has called the Linden Fire Department his second home.

In a time when the demand for firefighters is rising and departments across Michigan are struggling to fill positions, Genesee County has stepped up with an innovative solution—starting at the high school level. The Genesee Career Institute (GCI) Fire Academy, launched in 2021, is doing more than just preparing students for a career—it’s changing lives.

On the first Tuesday in August, communities across the nation join together for National Night Out, a community-building tradition that’s been fostering positive partnerships between residents, law enforcement and first responders since 1984. Today, more than 17,000 neighborhoods participate, hosting events filled with safety demonstrations, activities and plenty of family fun.