The Livonia Fire Department has received a $360,000 federal grant for a new heavy-rescue truck, Mayor Jack Kirksey announced Wednesday.
“It's obviously a piece of equipment that can make a difference in terms of people's lives,” he said in making the announcement at a City Council study session.
The new truck, estimated to cost $460,000 to $475,000, will replace a 24-year-old heavy-rescue truck. “They've been keeping it together, but this new piece of equipment is badly needed,” Kirksey said.
Fire Chief Shadd Whitehead said new heavy-rescue trucks are a “tremendous tool” with specialized equipment that can cut through concrete and lift tanker trucks, assisting in rescues not only in Livonia but in neighboring communities.
He said the department will look for a manufacturer's model that meets its specifications so it doesn't have to wait the normal 18 to 24 months for one to be custom built.
The city has money in its 2012 capital outlay budget to pay the difference between the cost of the truck and the grant.
The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
It was one of three awarded to fire departments in Southeast Michigan.
Dearborn Heights Fire Department received $280,000 for vehicle acquisition; the Charter Township of Ypsilanti Fire Department received $70,560 for operations and safety.
U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, in a prepared statement released this week announcing the grants, said, “These grants will help ensure that Michiganians get the fire protection that they need, and that our firefighters get the support they deserve.”
Livonia's grant application was one of 20,000 proposals so the city feels fortunate to have been approved for one, Kirksey said.
Firefighter Phil Kamm wrote the grant proposal in conjunction with Whitehead.
Support letters and assistance in the process were received from U.S. Rep Thaddeus McCotter and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
The mayor said the grant approval was good news to start off the new year.
ksmith@hometownlife.com (313) 222-2098
