Southfield pins five firefighters, council approves new turnout gear and trench-rescue trailer

Southfield’s City Council opened its Dec. 16 meeting with a badge‑pinning ceremony for five new fire officers and the promotion of an inspector, then approved purchases to outfit the department.

Fire Chief Johnny Menifee introduced the promoted inspector and four new firefighters and described the department’s competitive promotion and hiring process, including written exams, interviews, medical and psychological evaluations and paramedic training. "We’re still recruiting," Menifee said, directing applicants to the city website and the outside agency handling applications.

During the consent agenda debate, council approved authorization to purchase replacement turnout gear for the fire department and to upfit a replacement enclosed trench‑rescue trailer. Chief Menifee said the existing trench trailer is about 24 years old and that modern trench‑rescue operations require updated equipment; the department typically repurposes or sells older gear when possible.

Council members asked about disposal or trade‑in of the old trailer and were told no trade‑in was offered; procurement will determine whether to repurpose or sell the existing unit. The council approved the consent agenda items after brief discussion and a motion to adopt the consent calendar.

The council also received thanks from the clerk for the department’s recent community toy-giveaway event and from members who praised the department’s public safety work throughout the year.

What happens next: the purchase authorizations activated by the consent vote will be executed through the city’s procurement process; staffing and recruitment remain active as the department seeks additional candidates.