DETROIT – Two tips regarding the Detroit Fire Department are raising questions about the department’s operations.
The issues involve a rescue boat that was unable to perform its duties and a firehouse that had been shut down, renovated and has yet to officially open.
Concerns began with tips from insiders who have worked at the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) for years. These issues are not only about the safety of Detroit residents but also about the safety of the firefighters themselves.
At the repair shop located at Eastern Market, which is managed by the city’s by Construction and Demolition Department, insiders informed us about a broken Detroit rescue boat that has been sitting idle for months. This is the Sivad Johnson, which was found in the rescue shop with a broken pump. Firefighters are worried that the prolonged repair time puts Detroit residents at risk.
When Local 4 reached out to the city of Detroit, they released the following statement:
“The Sivad Johnson, used primarily for Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts along the Detroit River, experienced a pump failure in Fall 2024, but was left in service as a SAR vessel until it was put out of service for the season.
Efforts then began to repair both the water pump and the outboard motor, which also needed fixing. The repairs to the outboard motor were completed March 29th.
The pump for the Sivad Johnson was very difficult to locate, but it has now been ordered. Due to the shipping and repair time needed for the pump to be installed and fully operational, and because the Sivad Johnson is a valuable SAR asset, the decision was made last week to put the boat in the water today, May 7th, while we wait for the part. It was put in the water this afternoon.
Once the part arrives, the team at DFD will assess best timing to pull the boat and have the additional repairs made.
DFD’s other fireboat, the Curtis Randolph, has been in service since March 31st and stands ready to perform water suppression operations along the Detroit River."
Joint statement from the Detroit Fire Department and the Construction and Demolition Department
In another issue, Ladder 30, located at the intersection of Mt. Elliott, was shut down in 2012 after over $3 million was spent on renovations. It was expected to open this week, but sources reported that the building is flooding and “something is growing in certain areas.”
During our visit, an ambulance was seen using the firehouse, raising questions about how it could be operational if there were flooding issues.
Here’s what the city had to say about Ladder 30:
“Ladder 30 was recently renovated. The major renovations are complete and the furnishings, fixtures and finishing touches are underway now.
An EMS crew was assigned to report to this location last week because we thought it was ready, however it’s come to our attention additional amenities are needed and we are relocating this company for now.
Re: reports of black mold and flooding:
We have received no reports of black mold in this building. Today is the first time the team has been alerted to standing water in the basement. We’ve reported this to Construction and Demolition Department, who oversees maintenance of our facilities. They will be investigating and working to mitigate."
Joint statement from the Detroit Fire Department and the Construction and Demolition Department
