Northville Twp. deputy fire chief appointed Michigan’s fire marshal
Thomas Hughes
The state of Michigan recognized a standout in Northville Township Friday. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Deputy Fire Chief Tom Hughes as Michigan’s Fire Marshal.
Deputy Chief Hughes, a Northville Township native who spent his entire nearly 21-year career with the Northville Township Fire Department, will retire from the Department May 23 to accept the prestigious role.
While he begins his new job June 2, Northville Township Fire Training Coordinator Jesse Marcotte, who was promoted, will step into the Deputy Fire Chief role May 24 to ensure the Department’s continuity.
“To have Tom Hughes selected by the Governor’s Office for a position that is highly impactful to the entire state of Michigan speaks volumes of his talents,” said Northville Township Supervisor Mark J. Abbo.
“Tom is an exceptional member of the Northville Township Fire Department. He has exceptional firefighting skills, exceptional people skills, and exceptional leadership skills. TomHughes is a true professional.”
Northville Township’s Successes Go Statewide
The State Fire Marshal is the chief advocate of fire safety for Michigan citizens, the fire service and others affected by Michigan’s Fire Prevention Code and the Fire Fighters Training Council Act.
He will lead the Michigan Bureau of Fire Services within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Its mission is to prevent loss of life, protect property and safeguard the environment through education and regulation based on rules, laws and codes. He serves at the pleasure of the governor.
“Deputy Chief Hughes has been a cornerstone of our Fire Department, known for his strong leadership, deep integrity and commitment,” said Fire Chief Brent Siegel.
“Over the past two decades, he has served with distinction, mentoring, leading and always putting the community first. While we will miss him, we are so proud of him and how his exemplary career has led him to this amazing opportunity.”
Hughes’ Legacy of Serving Others
Deputy Chief Hughes’ dedication to Northville Township is life-long. He grew up in the community he currently serves, joining the Department in 2004 as a Firefighter/Paramedic. He has made a career out of serving others.
He developed Northville Township’s fire prevention division, introducing such innovative Community Risk Reduction initiatives as the Kindergarten Fire and Life Safety Program. Since 2017, every kindergartner in Northville Public Schools learned fire prevention skills thanks to Hughes’ handiwork.
He recently launched a continuation of that program to educate fourth graders, winning a grant to expand it.
Other formal leadership roles include accreditation manager, union secretary and founder and president of the Northville Township Firefighters’ Charity Fund. This non-profit organization has raised more than $1 million in the last 10 years to better the lives of the local community.
It donated to the Northville Civic Concern, the Maybury State Park Trailhead playground, Unity Skatepark, Main Street League, Northville Youth Network, Northville High School’s student cardiac screening program and many more organizations.
Remarkable resume
Prior to becoming Northville Township’s Deputy Fire Chief in January 2024, Hughes was the Department’s Fire Marshal for seven years and previously, a Fire Inspector for five years.
For all of his volunteer efforts, the Northville Chamber of Commerce named him the Northville Township 2025 Volunteer of the Year.
“Tom has long been an outstanding ambassador for Northville Township,”Supervisor Abbo said. “We are so grateful for all he has done for this community. We know the rest of the state will benefit from his leadership and his talents.”
Deputy Chief Hughes replaces state Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer, who has held the post since April 2017.
“I want people to know how deeply grateful I am for the opportunity to serve the Northville community,” Deputy Chief Hughes said. “My path was set early in life. After a car accident that impacted my family, the response of the Southfield Fire Department, the professionals at the University of Michigan, to
experiencing a total loss house fire in middle school, service was always at the foundation of who I am. I’ve been able to spend the last 20 years serving the community, engaging with different fire service groups and boards, and working with an incredible group of professionals.”
Marcotte: A Teacher at Heart, a Leader Always
Now he is known on an international level for his skills in instructor development and evidence-based fire-ground tactics, serving as a lead instructor for various programs that are delivered nationally.
In addition to training the entire Northville Township Fire Department on a daily basis, he is a senior education and training coordinator for the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), a part of UL Research Institutes, joining the team in 2023. He currently serves on the ISFSI Board of Directors.
One of his super powers is he is a wiz at logistics. When he coordinates a class or an event, he plans out every last detail.
“His passion for excellence and tireless efforts in advancing Northville Township Fire Department’s capabilities have earned the respect of colleagues, community members and the fire service at large,” said Chief Siegel. “I’m grateful for such a talent to help lead our Department.”
“Congratulations to Tom Hughes on his appointment as State Fire Marshal,” said Training Coordinator Marcotte.
‘Incredible fire service professional’
“He is an incredible fire service professional and one of my closest friends. I will do my best to continue his legacy and am deeply honored to serve the men and women of this Department. With the Northville Township Fire Department planned opening of Fire Station No. 2 at the Essential Services Complex, 40911 Seven Mile Road.”
Training Coordinator Marcotte, who has 23 years of outstanding service to Northville Township, is excited about this new opportunity. He knew he wanted to be a firefighter since he was 15 after attending his first Fire Explorer class.
Coordinator Jesse Marcotte’s promotion comes at an opportune time, said Supervisor Abbo.
“Jesse is an organized, thoughtful, innovative leader,” Abbo said. “His passion captures the essence of our emphasis on public safety with our new Public Safety Headquarters and our dedication to delivering exceptional service to Northville Township.”
