The Detroit Fire Department unveiled a new fleet of fire engines, ambulances, and emergency vehicles Tuesday, representing a major investment in public safety that officials say will help maintain some of the fastest response times in the country.
Watch Ruta Ulcinaite’s video report:
Detroit invests $10.7 million in new fire department fleet to boost public safety
The $10.7 million investment, approved by City Council several years ago, includes 10 new fire engines, 13 new ambulances, and six EMS and fire command vehicles. The new fleet was displayed at Eastern Market before being deployed to stations across the city.
“If you look at any of the major cities, they’re driving around in 15, 20-year-old pieces of apparatus. We’re fortunate enough not to have that old of an apparatus on the street,” DFD Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said.
The investment marks a significant change from years past, when the department struggled with aging equipment. Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Clapp, who has served with the department for more than three decades, recalls the challenges of working with deteriorating vehicles.
“When I came on, we had a lot of rigs that were rusted through, like the commissioner said, they had holes in the water tank, a lot of the compartments had holes, and the doors were shut together with bungee cords,” Clapp said.
The department’s budget has increased over the years, allowing for better staffing and equipment. Officials say the new fleet will help maintain and potentially improve response times…