Leaders from the Milan Area Fire Department recently traveled to Lansing to seek $696,000 in state funding to replace the department’s aging tanker truck, a vehicle firefighters say is essential for protecting much of the rural area they serve.
A new fire tanker can cost $1 million or more, according to Capt. Sean Meyer of the Milan Area Fire Department.
“We recently had the opportunity to join City of Milan leadership and testify in front of a State of Michigan House of Representatives appropriations committee to seek state funding for the replacement of our only tanker truck,” Meyer said.
Meyer said the department hopes to purchase a commercially available tanker rather than a custom-built truck, which would significantly increase the cost.
The department’s current tanker recently turned 26 years old, exceeding national recommendations for frontline service.
“NFPA standards for fire apparatus generally recommend retiring vehicles from frontline service after 15 years and completely by 25 years,” Meyer said.
The truck was also out of service for 53 days last year due to repairs.
“The biggest issue we’re running into isn’t the truck itself, it’s the fire electronics,” said Chief Daniel “DJ” Carpus. “A lot of those components are no longer manufactured, so when something fails you can’t just order a replacement part.”
Tanker trucks play a critical role for the department because much of its service area lacks fire hydrants.
“We cover more than 75 square miles, and most of that area doesn’t have fire hydrants,” Meyer said. “In the event of a fire, we’re shuttling water to the scene, and that’s the primary function of this tanker.”
The truck also responds to mutual aid calls with neighboring departments and has assisted on fires in other counties.
Milan Mayor Ed Kolar said replacing aging equipment has been a concern for both the city and its township partners.
“Our aging fire fleet has been a major concern for the city and our township partners for many years,” Kolar said. “Our current tanker is way past its prime and has become a liability to our community’s residents.”
Rep. Reggie Miller said the funding request would strengthen emergency response across the community.
“This funding is essential and will improve resident and firefighter safety,” Miller said. “It will reduce response times, strengthen rural fire protection, support EMS response and help restore a sustainable apparatus replacement plan aligned with national safety standards.”
Featured image: Captain Sean Meyer stands beside Tanker 28-1 outside the Milan Area Fire Department station. Tanker trucks are critical for supplying water to fires in rural parts of the department’s service area. Photo by Heather Finch
8123 Main St Suite 200 Dexter, MI 48130
