FFD looking to replace aerial truck
Six more calls for service were on the Frankenmuth Fire Department’s list of alarms last week, raising the 2025 total to 212 with 21 days remaining in the year.
At 6:53pm Monday, December 1, a fire alarm at the Frankenmuth Conservation Club, 8415 East Curtis Road summoned the FFD.
FFD Captain Doug VanWormer said some smoke from a popcorn maker was thought to be the source, however, the entire building was checked and nothing was found as the monthly dinner was in progress. Eleven firefighters reported for duty.
While en route back to the station from the conservation Club, Engine 2 checked on a possible arcing wire in the vicinity of Dixie Highway and Townline Road. A flashing light on a Consumers Energy utility pole was observed and was deemed to be in normal operation.
At 6:13am Thursday, December 4, the FFD was called to assist Birch Run Fire Department with a pole barn fire in the 12000 block of East Burt Road.
Squad 6 and six fire personnel assisted, along with Clio and Taymouth fire departments as the building was fully involved and nearby buildings were threatened.
The FFD cleared nearly three hours later, with 16 firefighters reporting for action.
At 4:36am Saturday, December 6, the Frankenmuth Public Safety Drone unit was activated to assist law enforcement in the vicinity of Birch Run and Birch Run roads to locate suspects involved in an area larceny.
Squad 4 and crew cleared at 7am, with eight fire personnel traveling to the station.
Alarms 211 and 212 occurred at 4:43pm and again at 8:10pm as the FFD was needed by MMR Ambulance Service to assist with medical calls in the 880 block of Van Cleve Road, Tuscola Township.
In other FFD news, at the Tuesday, December 2 Frankenmuth City Council meeting, the council took action to fund a new aerial truck. They reviewed the need for a new aerial ladder rig as the current Truck 3 will be 30 years old in 2027.
Because the estimated cost of such apparatus will be over $2 million, the FFD capital outlay fund needed an infusion of cash due to skyrocketing costs which outgrew its annual funding levels.
“Two years ago, those anticipated costs were adjusted upward with the City and the Township each increasing their contributions so that dollars would be available for the needed purchase in 2028-2029,” FFD Chief Phil Kerns said.
Kerns and Captains Brandon Schmitzer and Captain Matt Vasicek reviewed the matter and were on hand to answer questions from the council members regarding the proposed purchase.
Understanding the importance of replacing key equipment, City Council agreed to reserve 1.2 million dollars in savings now so that accelerated payments to the fund would not impact future budgets.
𠇏ormer Fire Chief Gene Rittmueller was instrumental in establishing this fund many years ago. The city covers 75 percent of the department’s budget and the township is at 25 percent,” Kerns said. “The FFD applauds the Council’s efforts and is thankful for the support.”
One of the next challenges is determining whether or not the anticipated truck will need to fit into the 75-year-old station, which right now does not have the height clearance for a standard-ordered ladder truck.
“Should approval be given to build a new station in the next 2-3 years, the 30-month order time for this new aerial ladder truck can ensue in time to take delivery of this new apparatus so it fits into the new station,” Kerns pointed out.
Kerns noted the Frankenmuth City Council and Frankenmuth Township Board of Trustees understand that the FFD’s ISO Public Protection Class rating of 4/4Y requires the FFD to have certain apparatus, such as an aerial ladder truck, not to mention a reliable public water supply, 911 communications, and trained and responding firefighting personnel. Maintaining this rating is very important as it impacts insurance rates for structures in the community.
The City-Township Commission met Tuesday evening, December 9, to complete year-end matters and review next year’s budget.
Also at last Tuesday’s meeting, Shop for a Hero took place with area first responders at the Birch Run Meijer Store. This annual event features children shopping with local police officers and firefighters.
𠇏rankenmuth Firefighters are proud to be able to assist young shoppers in this worthwhile and charitable event. We are thankful for the many local sponsors who help make these events happen,” Kerns said.
Finally, also last evening, active and retired Frankenmuth Firefighters and City-Township Commission members held their annual Christmas Dinner and thank you at the Uptown North Main facility.
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