DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI (10/8/13) – State, City, TIFA and Fire Department officials were joined by members of the public as they dedicated a brand new fire truck at Dearborn Heights Fire Station #1 on Saturday, September 21.
The event began with a warm welcome from Fire Chief Andrew Gurka in which he reflected on the efforts leading to the purchase of this greatly appreciated piece of equipment. “We are sincerely grateful to the Dearborn Heights TIFA for their generous support of this project,” he said. “Equipped with some of the latest tools in firefighting technology, this truck will be a great benefit for our community. Our team is currently being trained to use it to its fullest potential.”
In its 27 years of existence, the Dearborn Heights Tax increment Finance Authority has contributed almost $2 million to the fire department for facility improvements, equipment and vehicles used in the TIFA district. The purchase of this newest truck was made possible through TIFA’s contribution of $246,000 (approximately half the cost of the vehicle), which was matched by a grant secured by the DHFD.
Fr. Paul Ballien, pastor of St. Linus Parish, offered a blessing for the new truck, praying for the safety of all who use it and are rescued by it.
Chief Gurka also gave special thanks to Firefighter Lisa Martin, who is the department’s grant coordinator, and to the members of the Fire Truck Committee who spent numerous hours on specs, layout, and even traveled to the factory to oversee its construction — Capt. Kevin Dunham (chairman), Lt. Gary Rukstelo, Pump Operators Dave Moore, Richard Dobrovich (retired) and John Gughrie (retired).
“There are some people in the state who think that TIFAs have outlived their usefulness and should cease to exist,” added TIFA Administrator Carmine Oliverio. “Every time our residents see this fire truck drive down the street, they will be reminded of the good work that the Dearborn Heights TIFA does for them. The TIFA Board is committed to supporting our first responders to the best of our ability, even if our revenues decline.”
Mayor Paletko thanked the Fire Department for their continued dedication and efforts in protecting our community together with our Police Department, and welcomed the various public officials and residents who also came to show their appreciation and share in this happy occasion. He concluded his remarks by thanking TIFA for their generous contribution and commending the Fire Department for their efforts to secure a grant, noting that this kind of teamwork leads to good things for our city.
Deputy Chief Russ McNamee then showed off the many features and devices of the new vehicle, while attendees were treated to some refreshments.
The new truck is a custom pumper built by Marion Body Works in Marion, Wisconsin, on a chassis from Spartan Chassis in Charlotte, Michigan.
The new fire truck.
TIFA Administrator Carmine Oliverio, Fire Chief Andrew Gurka, State Representative David Knezek & Mayor Dan Paletko.
Fr. Paul Ballien reads a prayer as Chief Gurka looks on.
Chief Gurka offers thanks to TIFA Administrator Oliverio and the entire TIFA Board for TIFA’s generous contribution.
TIFA representatives present — Office Secretary Chris Hodgins; Board Members Tim Emery, Exie Markowsky, Don Willis, John Kellett (Chairman); Assistant Administrator Tom Rosco; and Administrator Carmine Oliverio.
TIFA Board Members gathered around a celebratory cake offered by the Fire Department.
(Photos courtesy of Robert Ankrapp, City of Dearborn Heights)
