Christopher Lee Toot

Toot, Chris

Linden, Michigan, 60, passed away peacefully February, 17, 2021. Preceded in death by father Charles Toot. Survived by mother, Jane Toot, sister Martha Spencer of Maryland and nephews Zach and Lucas. As a graduate of University of Michigan and DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, Chris was known for his research and writing skills as well as his quick wit and humor. While Chris demonstrated his skill in law, Chris realized quickly that big city life wasn’t for him and instead decided to pursue a career that would engage him on an analytical, physical and personal level. Chris returned to Michigan and found his true calling as a firefighter with the Fenton Township Fire Department.

Over his 20-year career with the Fire Department, Chris obtained his Officer 1, 2 and 3 certifications.  He became a certified Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Inspector and Hazmat Technician, and was certified by Michigan Urban Search and Rescue.  Chris rose through the ranks at the Fire Department, starting as a firefighter and earning the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Deputy Chief.  He was a member of the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.  He truly enjoyed helping people and giving back to his community. After 20 years of service, Chris retired from the fire service in 2017.  Chris was always proud to represent the Department wherever he went. 

At the same time that Chris was fighting fires and rolling on rescue calls on nights and weekends, he was working as a lineman for AT&T.  The job of a lineman had a few elements that really appealed to Chris – it allowed him to work independently and it gave him plenty of physical activity.  He worked out of the Holly garage for a period and out of the Flint garage, putting in 20 years of rugged service.  He went to great heights (literally) to keep a lot of people connected.

In honor of Chris’s dedication to the Fenton Township Fire Department and to continue Chris’s commitment to giving back to his community, his family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in Chris’ name to:

Fenton Township Fire Department

Smoke Detector/Carbon Monoxide Detector Fund

12060 Mantawauka Drive

Fenton, MI  48430

Chris will be missed by family, friends and the countless people he supported who never knew his name. His fire department colleagues said it best; “Rest easy, Chief, we’ve got it from here.”

Memorial service date/time to be announced at a later date.