Lyal Bigger's Career Continues as Birmingham's Fire Marshal

Yesterday, we dipped into the Bloomfield Patch Neighborhood Pics & Clips Archive to show the special retirement ceremony honoring former Bloomfield Township Assistant Fire Chief Lyal Bigger.

He didn't stay off duty for very long. Bigger was named Birmingham's new part-time assistant fire chief and fire marshal shortly after his retirement in from the township in the fall, which ended his 28-year career with the organization. Now he's at Birmingham's Adams Street Fire Station to help investigations and residents with their fire-prevention questions.

The city's fire marshal position was vacant for more than a year and a half following the retirement of Charlie Monti in early 2011 after 33 years.

Fire Chief Mike Metz said the city decided in 2010 not to hire another full-time fire marshal as part of ongoing budget cuts. Monti's administrative duties were then distributed to Metz and Assistant Fire Chief John Connaughton.

Fire marshals are responsible for inspecting fire scenes to determine the cause of the blaze. Fire marshals also inspects new construction and plans for special events, and regulates occupancy rates throughout the city.

As fire marshal, Metz said Bigger is also available to answer residents' questions on fire prevention and inspections. To contact Bigger, call 248-530-1902 or email lbigger@bhamgov.org.