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Fire chief says department fully staffed at 21 and seeks grants for rescue and staffing; $7 million station is under consideration
Summary
Inkster’s fire chief told council the department currently has 21 uniformed firefighters, described grant applications for a rescue vehicle and six personnel, and said the city is pursuing a possible $7 million station and training facility project.
Inkster’s fire chief briefed council on June 3 that the department is, at present, fully staffed with 21 uniformed firefighters and that most of the fire budget is devoted to contractual benefits and salaries.
"Currently, we are fully staffed 21 uniformed firefighters," the chief said. He told council that roughly 80% of the department’s budget goes to contractual benefits and that much high-cost equipment — engines, rescue apparatus, turnout gear and SCBAs — has been purchased through grants.
The chief said the department is seeking additional grant funding: an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application for a rescue apparatus (about $450,000) and a SAFER grant to add six personnel. He cautioned the SAFER application depends on obtaining a cost-share waiver; without a waiver the required local match would make the hiring unaffordable for the city.
On capital needs, the chief and administration discussed a possible new fire station and training facility with an estimated total of about $7,000,000; that project would include a larger footprint, training grounds and equipment and remain contingent on securing multiple funding sources.
What happens next: the administration and the chief will continue grant applications and planning work and report back to council as grant opportunities develop.
