Bill Text: MI HR0041 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the city of Detroit and the Detroit Fire Department to bring its fire service delivery to correct staffing levels and response times and to provide necessary equipment to fire fighters.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-03-03 - Referred To Committee On Local, Intergovernmental, And Regional Affairs [HR0041 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-HR0041-Introduced.html
Rep. Tlaib offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 41.
A resolution to urge the city of Detroit and the Detroit Fire Department to bring its fire service delivery to correct staffing levels and response times and to provide necessary equipment to fire fighters.
Whereas, The city of Detroit is dedicated to the well-being and safety of its citizens, visitors, and employees, who comprise the basis of Detroit’s reputation, tax base, and businesses; and
Whereas, As the city of Detroit debates its challenging financial situation and the balancing of its budget, there is universal agreement that public safety must be kept at its proper levels in order to keep safety its priority and meet the needs of all Detroiters; and
Whereas, The Detroit Fire Department continues to remain seriously understaffed, browning out (temporarily closing) up to 10 fire companies daily. With an age of 42.5 for the average Detroit fire fighter, the department also suffers an approximate 10 percent on-duty injury rate; and
Whereas, Grants have been ignored, turned back, or not sought; fire gear and supplies are not readily available for front-line fire companies; equipment is lacking or non-existent; and response times have been lengthened. As a result, there are serious questions concerning the city's compliance with established standards and laws. It is imperative that these issues be resolved swiftly to assure Detroit fire fighters and taxpayers alike that Detroit is fulfilling its mission to save lives and protect property; and
Whereas, As response times increase even more through closed or browned-out companies and as less fire fighters are available due to lack of necessary staffing and hiring and as injury rates and age levels increase, many people worry about public safety. The clear problems at hand increase significantly the odds of death or catastrophic injury or property loss within the city. Clearly, this situation demands attention; now, therefore be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the city of Detroit and Detroit Fire Department to restore the Detroit Fire Department to the proper levels of staffing, coverage, training, and equipment so that its employees may fulfill their commitment to the safely of the city; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be given to the Mayor of Detroit, the Detroit City Council, and the administration of the Detroit Fire Department.
