DETROIT — The Detroit Fire Department rolled out a $10.7 million fleet upgrade of 10 fire engines, 13 ambulances and six command vehicles, funded by a city council purchase from prior years.
Officials showcased the new units at Eastern Market before deploying them citywide, WXYZ reported, saying the investment will help sustain emergency response times.
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“If you look at any of the major cities, they are driving around in 15-, 20-year-old pieces of apparatus,” Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said. “We are fortunate enough not to have that old of an apparatus on the street.”
The upgrade marks a sharp break from years when aging rigs plagued the department. Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Clapp recalled “rusted-out rigs, leaking tanks and compartment doors held shut with bungee cords.”
The department’s larger budget has boosted staffing and equipment, and officials say the new fleet will help sustain, or even improve, response times. The vehicles will be in service throughout the city within weeks.
