Girl, 3, Dies Day after Fire Rescue Delay in Detroit

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Girl, 3, Dies Day after Fire Rescue Delay in Detroit

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/family%3A-girl%27s-death-in-fire-could-have-been-prevented-20110914-mr

And then Detroit accepted a donation of a 1983 Ladder truck:

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/detroit-city-council-accepts-fire-truck-donation-20110927-ms

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It seems like Detroit is always taking delivery of new apparatus,but seems to be still neglecting them. It's sad, given what a prosperous city it once was-it's sad to see all the beautiful buildings and areas that used to be beautiful and intricate....until they lost business and jobs due to greed and quality issues, and lost it to the very same terrorists who attacked a military installation on our own soil in 1945. And despite Detroit's poor reputation and condition the city is in, there are still people who call it home, proudly (anyone see Gran Torino?) or are stuck there because they can't afford to move. And because of the condition and deteriration of the city, the arson problem is extensive....and firefighters keep very busy. End rant.

Anyways, their apparatus problem has been an issue for a number of years. As proven by this story, it affects both firefighter safety and public safety.This kind of story seems to pop up over and over again. The "TAC" unit sent is basically a utility truck without a pump or ground ladders.

I remember when they sent a ladder to Sutphen for warranty work. Sutphen wouldn't touch it because it had been so damaged by neglect and it was not safe for them to even repair it. Detroit wanted a quick fix, but Sutphen refused.

Here's a great site describing DFD's operations:

http://detroitfirehouse.com/