Mich. Chief Says New Trucks Will Replace 12 Firefighters
Source WXMI-TV, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Feb. 07--GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- City leaders in Grand Rapids are planning to purchase three quick response vehicles (QRV) to respond to fire department calls that do not require large, traditional fire trucks replacing 12 jobs in three years.
The purchase is part of an effort to reduce Grand Rapids Fire Department operating costs by 10 percent by fiscal year 2015 when grant and enhanced income tax money will begin to disappear. This would accomplish half of the savings.
The cost for the vehicles and training is not expected to exceed $872,900, Fire Chief Laura Knapp told the City Commission. A training vehicle is included in the purchase.
"QRVs have traditionally been used in the forestry service," said Knapp.
The investment is expected to return nearly $21 million over the 15-year lifespan of the vehicles.
The City Commission Tuesday approved using funds from the Transportation Investment Plan.
The investment will be paid back in 2.35 years, said Knapp of the units that will use compressed air foam technology instead of water.
Fire union president Bill Smith said fire fighters will do what they can to support the new system, but he has questions about whether it will work when the heat is on. He also said they are no replacement for people.
"We certainly do need the boots on the ground for the fire fighters to adequately respond," said Smith. "It's not just machines, it's not just a CAF unit, it's not just a QRV, an engine or a truck, it's the people who ride on these and respond that makes the difference."
Knapp said 88 percent of their call volume can be taken care of with one unit. Besides the reduced costs, Knapp said they are used for rapid deployment and reduced time for firefighters on scene with the technology.
Norton Shores has three of them. Knapp said staff in that department prefers to use them as opposed to traditional fire engines.
Knapp said she's been working with the leaders of the union, as well as the command staff about how they'll be used.
"The question is how the compressed air foam will work with the operations of our department," said Knapp.
Copyright 2012 - WXMI-TV, Grand Rapids, Mich.
