UP Gazette

State Representative Parker Fairbairn has announced that he secured $1 million in the state budget to help the Charlevoix Township Fire Department purchase a new aerial platform fire truck. The funding, which represents about half of the total cost for the new vehicle, is part of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget. The remaining funds will be provided locally.

“When I came to Lansing, I committed to representing the best interests of our district and its communities in policy and appropriations,” said Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs. “I was pleased to partner with the communities served by the Charlevoix Township Fire Department to submit and ultimately secure this funding request for a new aerial platform fire truck, which is a much-needed public safety asset. This purchase will measurably enhance local and regional fire protection capabilities, reducing loss of lives, homes, businesses and other important property and assets in Charlevoix County.”

The current aerial platform truck used by the department is more than 30 years old and often requires repairs that make it unavailable when needed. Dan Thorp, Chief of the Charlevoix Township Fire Department, said: “Our current platform truck is out of service for repairs more often than it is available for use. As a matter of fact, we could have really used it just last night, but it was down for repairs. Acquiring a new, modern replacement is essential to our being able to provide the level of protection that the communities we serve need and deserve.”

Obtaining a modern replacement vehicle will improve fire protection in both Charlevoix Township and neighboring areas. The financial support from the state allows township officials to move forward with ordering the new equipment sooner than would have been possible relying solely on local funds.

“Charlevoix Township and its neighboring communities are extremely grateful to Rep. Fairbairn and the State of Michigan for providing this funding assistance as we pursue this critical upgrade to our Fire Department,” stated Charlevoix Township Supervisor Dan Ulrich.

The Charlevoix Township Fire Department serves an area covering 50 square miles including several townships—Charlevoix, Hayes, Marion—and parts of Norwood and Eveline as well as the City of Charlevoix. The department also responds to mutual aid calls in East Jordan, Boyne City, and Petoskey.