Northville Township Fire Training Coordinator Jesse Marcotte, who was promoted, will step into the role of Deputy Fire Chief May 24 to ensure department continuity, a spokesman noted.
“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. Tom Hughes is a true professional.”
The State Fire Marshal is the chief advocate of fire safety for Michigan citizens, the fire service and others affected by the Michigan 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).
Prior to becoming Northville Township Deputy Fire Chief in January 2024, Hughes was the Department Fire Marshal for seven years and previously, a fire inspector for five years.
“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’ 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 developed the Northville Township 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’ involvement. He recently launched a continuation of that program to educate fourth graders, winning a grant to expand the effort.
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,” 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.”
Hughes replaces state Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer, who resigned from the position he held since April 2017.
“I want people to know how deeply grateful I am for the opportunity to serve the Northville community,” 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. It has been an honor to work alongside such talented and dedicated individuals, and I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished together. This new role is not an end, but a new chapter in my journey, and I will continue to support the incredible work happening at the Northville Township Fire Department and within our community.”
