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JANUARY 28, 2026 • Vol. 24, No. 2
Birmingham welcomes new fire chief BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com
BIRMINGHAM — New Birmingham Fire Chief Matt Bartalino was sworn into his new role in December, but he has been with the department far longer than that, serving in several positions since 2003. He was a firefighter when he started his career, and then he became a firefighter/paramedic. He was also trained to be a hazmat technician. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2014, and two years later he attended the Executive Staff and Command Leadership Program at Eastern Michigan University. Shortly after that course he was promoted to captain. In 2019, he was appointed assistant chief, and in 2020, he received a Professional Matt Bartalino Emergency Management Certification from the state of Michigan. Prior to being sworn in as chief, he had served as interim chief since July 17, 2025. He was sworn in during the City Commission meeting Dec. 15, 2025, with City Manager Jana Ecker noting that “he’s done a great job of working through some different
CRANBROOK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE FEATURES NEW INTERACTIVE EXHIBIT FOR FAMILIES Through the hands-on activities in “Mystery of the Mayan Medallion,” kids have the opportunity to learn more about Mayan and Mesopotamian culture. Photo provided by the Cranbrook Institute of Science
BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — The Cranbrook Institute of Science is welcoming a new exhibit for families and the local community to explore throughout the winter and spring. “Mystery of the Mayan Medallion” will be open to the public Feb. 1, opening one day earlier, Jan. 31, for Cranbrook Institute of Science members. See EXHIBIT on page 13A
See BARTALINO on page 2A
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