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Fire and police outline equipment, outreach and a push on officer wellness; police report 129 firearms recovered
Summary
Highland Park fire and police leaders listed department achievements including new vehicles, public safety outreach and an officer wellness program; police officials said about 129 firearms were taken off the streets this year.
Highland Park—s public‑safety departments described equipment gains, community outreach and personnel support at a city town hall.
Fire Department: Fire Chief Patrick Payne said the department obtained a hydrant steamer for thawing frozen hydrants, a new utility pickup, and acquired a fire truck from the Schwartz Creek Fire Department. The department distributed fire blankets and smoke and carbon‑monoxide detectors, participated in a prevention open house and community Halloween events, and will host community CPR classes in partnership with EMS provider AmeriPro. Payne reported the department has 25 full‑time firefighters, operates three engines and one ladder truck with five support vehicles, and had roughly 974–980 runs year‑to‑date.
Police Department: A department representative standing in for Chief McMahon said Highland Park is seeing a slight uptick in violent crime concentrated in domestic incidents; the department is pursuing crime suppression and interagency cooperation. The speaker reported the department recovered about 129 firearms slated for destruction and welcomed newly hired officers. The department also ran a two‑day officer wellness and resiliency event and plans a one‑day hiring event on Dec. 12 at the recreation center.
Community outreach and next steps: Both departments emphasized community engagement (toy drives, chaplain corps support, and joint events with the mayor—s office) and encouraged residents to report suspicious activity. The fire department noted participation in the city—s Dec. tree‑lighting and will provide Santa on a fire truck during the ceremony.
Officials said staffing and equipment remain constrained, noting mutual‑aid agreements with Detroit and Hamtramck for major incidents and urging residents to support and volunteer where possible.
