Salem Township fire officials oppose board's vote to leave first response vehicles parked at the fire station
Three Salem Township first response trucks have been parked at the station since Tuesday.
Photo courtesy of Salem Township
Three Salem Township first response vehicles are now parked at the station, following a dispute over how and when three Salem Township firefighters can use the township-owned vehicles.
Some trustees opposed to the decision argue it will mean longer response times and was an unnecessary action.
Chief Mark Hamilton and two other firefighters drove marked township Fire Department pick-up trucks for personal and emergency use until last Tuesday, when a 4-3 township board vote required the vehicles be parked at the fire station.
Supervisor Bob Heyl, treasurer Paul Uherek, Trustee Marcia Van Fossen and Trustee Wayne Wallazy voted to have the trucks parked while the board considers permanently keeping them at the station. Trustee and fire liaison Brien Witkowski, Trustee Susan Bejin and Clerk David Trent voted against the move.
The board will vote on the issue at a Monday morning meeting.
Hamilton contends that allowing three firefighters to drive the department’s trucks within Washtenaw County saves precious minutes when responding to the scene of an accident, fire or medical emergency. The firefighters — including Hamilton, Kirk Ferris and Mark Kimmler — previously took the trucks with them to the store, church or other errands and responded directly to a scene.
Hamilton said they used the trucks, which are no larger than F-350s, to respond to the vast majority of the roughly 350 runs last year. They sometimes were able to handle the situation on their own, eliminating the need for larger trucks or rescue vehicles to be dispatched from the station. Now the three firefighters will use their personal vehicles to drive to the station if they are the closer than the department’s other volunteers, then drive larger trucks in the station’s bay to the scene.
“It will definitely impact how we operate here, but it’s a board directive and we will definitely abide by it without complaining,” Hamilton said.
The rapid response trucks come equipped with basic medical equipment, defibrillators, oxygen, trauma kits, fire extinguishers, basic forcible entry tools and other gear. Hamilton and Witkowski say the rapid response trucks are critical when responding to heart attacks, car accidents or other medical emergencies.
But Heyl said township insurers and attorneys have said that having firefighters use Fire Department vehicles for personal use is a liability for the township. He provided a written risk assessment from the township’s insurer, the Michigan Municipal League, recommending vehicles should be housed at the department when not in use and only used for direct response to an emergency call.
“This is not something we’ve come up and arbitrarily tried to do,” Heyl said. “We’re doing it because our insurance providers and lawyers have said it’s the best thing to do and, personally, I think it is, too. I don’t like the fact that (the trucks) are being used for their personal use.”
Heyl said he doesn’t buy that the change will add additional minutes onto runs. Intstead, he said, it will keep the rapid response trucks available for all the department’s 23 firefighters all the time. Heyl questioned what happens if one of the three firefighters with the trucks is sick or unable to help at the time of an emergency.
Heyl also said neighboring departments he spoke with keep all their trucks at the station. He added that the firefighters can carry their personal gear in their personal vehicles, so they can still arrive at scenes first if they choose.
“To be driving them all the time and to be driving them wherever you’re going — that’s just not what they’re for,” Heyl said. “Basically we were being threatened with people saying ‘If you take the vehicles away and park them at the station then people will die’. Well, that’s not true.”
Hamilton has used his rapid response truck since 1996 when he was directed by the Township Board to take it home with him and always be prepared to respond. The department added two more rapid response trucks in 2001 and 2005.
Witkowski provided a map showing how Ferris would have had to drive twice the distance on a recent run with the additional stop at the fire department. He called that unnecessary, and said the talk of changing the rules for the Fire Department’s vehicle use initially only included limiting the firefighters to no personal use.
He said he's no longer debating the personal use issue, but he would like to at least see firefighters have the vehicles parked at home.
“I can understand a rule of no personal use - no one argues with that,” Witkowski said. “Don’t take it the to the grocery store, but for you to say that (the rapid response trucks) have to be parked at the fire station, that’s going to double the response time.”
Witkowski also raised concerns over the rapid response vehicles’ safety. Because they are now parked outside the station, they are more susceptible to crime than if they were parked up next to a house, he said.
Hamilton said he is a farmer and he takes his truck out with him in the field so he can immediately respond to an emergency call. He added that Ferris and Kimmler work from home and keep their trucks there the majority of the time. Heyl alleged that Hamilton’s truck is used for pulling hay bales. Hamilton said that is untrue, and the truck simply goes out into the field with him.
This isn’t the first time Heyl and other board members have been at odds with the Fire Department and Witkowski. Heyl said a recent failed effort to recall him, Uherek, and Wallazy was pushed by the firefighters. They and Von Fossen had voted to dissolve the fire authority's board in April.
Heyl said the firefighters have been upset because the township is trying to better manage the department. He said the township currently doesn’t know how much money is being spent on the rapid response vehicles and no records are kept.
“We want to hold them accountable, we want to treat them like a business and they haven’t been for a very long time,” Heyl said.
Witkowski and Heyl disagreed on several points. Witkowski said several insurers the township spoke with said it was OK for the firefighters to drive the trucks for personal use. But Heyl disagreed and said that conversation came when the board was interviewing potential new insurers. He claimed that the firefighters phrased the question to ask if company vehicles — not fire vehicles — were permitted for personal use after one of the insurers said fire vehicles couldn’t be used.
Witkowski and Heyl also disagreed on their interpretation of Internal Revenue Service rules regarding the use of trucks. Both said the IRS supported their arguments.
Hamilton said it comes down to an issue of safety.
“I don’t run any faster or jump any higher with this truck,” he said. It has not been a benefit to me financially. I have my own vehicles. What this will do is force the big trucks to go on every call. The other firefighters are not crying about not having these trucks; they’re concerned about their citizens, their families.”
Tom Perkins is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
gotigers2007
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 1:16 a.m.
Craig Lounsbury@ My argument is flawed? Why don't you point out the flaw? I don't think anyone is arguing the issue about egregious personal use of the government vehicles; this includes the chief, citizens, and township leadership. For starters, in your own words, if the chief is "across the county and the emergency is two blocks from the fire station..." well then we have some questions to answer. Was the chief on official business while being "across the county"? If so, what difference does it make? He would have been there in his assigned company car no matter what. If the chief was on personal business, then why was he across the county in the first place? Such egregious personal use of company vehicles has never been heard of, documented, or proven to have ever occured in Salem Township by any firemen. The part that is indeed flawed is that the township purchased a vehicle SPECIFICALLY for the fire chief so he can do his job effectively and they now keep it at the fire station parked outside. It is flawed that they provided this vehicle so he could provided immediate rescue response to endangered folks in our community AND to provided scene safety for his own firemen (this truck appears to be fully marked with reflective striping and many blinking warning lights).
Linda Hamilton
Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 4:54 p.m.
Eight days ago I read the outrageous and untrue claim that my husband, Mark Hamilton used a township assigned Ford F150 to pull his hay wagons. It was unbelievable that an elected official would make such an allegation without proof. I figured at the very least he had some type of photo which had been doctored to support his ludicrous claim. I immediately requested under Michigans Freedom of Information Act all such documentation and proof. Today, five business days later and the last possible date to honor my request, I was told that There are no Public Records as requested. Of course, there arent. Any thinking person would know that a Ford F150 is not capable of pulling a 30 hay wagon carrying 17 or more round bales, each of which weighs in excess of 1000 pounds. Anyone who knows Mark also knows that is a blatant lie and the last in a long line of Heyls attempt to discredit an honorable man. Unlike Heyl who hides behind There are no Public Records as requested I am willing to email a copy of the FOIA request and the townships response to anyone who asks. Heyl and his board cronies claim they parked these truck because of liability. I would think there is liability for his false, untrue allegation.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 4:41 p.m.
gotigers2007@ With due respect your argument is flawed. You state "Its not like he uses it to run to the corner store to buy milk and bread." If he's not using it for personal use, either he never leaves his house or he leaves his house in something other than the emergency vehicle. In the later case he would need to drive home to get it. Regardless response time hinges on where the emergency is relative to the vehicle and a qualified driver for the vehicle. If he is across the county and the emergency is two blocks from the fire station and 3 other volunteers are 3 blocks from the fire station then your argument falls apart.
gotigers2007
Wed, Dec 22, 2010 : 3:23 a.m.
BULL or NO BULL --- the FACT of the matter speaks for ITSELF. The Fire CHIEF has responded to 95 percent or more of every single medical, fire, or rescue run in his assigned vehicle. With that said, the vehicle obviously contains emergency equipement -- defibrillator, oxygen, etc etc etc. Its not like he uses it to run to the corner store to buy milk and bread. The factual data from Washtenaw County Fire Dispatch shows that his Rescue vehicle shows up on almost ALL fire, medical, or rescue runs to provide such emergency services within seconds. The argument of the Salem Supervisor is that there is too much liability. Well, the INSURER's stated PUBLICLY that there is NO extra liability with the Fire Chief or Firemen having a truck on hand when they are in the city limits. How could there possibly be a problem? How many folks' lives have been saved by them having the rescue trucks ON HAND and ON SITE within SECONDS of notification (911)??? How is that LIABILITY? How is it NOT a liability to NOT have that in practice already? Hmmm... if I crash my car into a tree and its on fire and I'm in dire need for medical assistance, I think I would RATHER have the firemen respond from their house TO the fire station (across the town) to get a fire truck and THEN come all the way back to me and THEN give me help. Yeah --- all of that instead of coming directly too me...What a deal.
lynel
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 8 p.m.
Stunhsif, You get on that for us!
stunhsif
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 6:30 p.m.
My neighbor here in York Township drives a big old honkin Ford Excursion every day, believe he is with the Pittsfield Fire Dept, I will check it out. I always wondered why he would be driving this home every day at taxpayer expense. It also is not equipped with any emergency equipment that I can see, it is just a big ole Excursion painted red and white getting around 10 mpg at taxpayer expense.
jcj
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 6:03 p.m.
@Want the Truth "The Township auditor has stated beginning in 1996 and again in 2010 that the trucks are not driven for personal benefit but for the benefit of the community." That sounds like an opinion to me not fact!
Want the Truth
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 6 p.m.
Let's get the facts out - Chief Hamilton has a 30' hay wagon that he pulls with a 10 Ton Tractor. He does not use a Ford F150. And let's talk about other fire departments - almost all Chiefs have vehicles that they drive home and about the community. It allows a fast, efficient response for the community. As was said at the last townhall meeting, "If the Chief is at 12 Oaks I want the truck with him so he can respond to my house." The Township auditor has stated beginning in 1996 and again in 2010 that the trucks are not driven for personnal benefit but for the benefit of the community. It is easy to see where not having the township vehicle is better personnally. The officer or firefighter will not have to leave an evening out because there is an obligation to respond. The firefighters on the west side of the township will now drive to the station and back to the west side for calls in that area. Response times will increase. The big trucks have the equipment that might be needed. In the past the small trucks would arrive on a scene and then cancel the larger trucks if their equipment is not needed. At some point, manpower on the scene is needed more than additional trucks.
gostate
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 5:21 p.m.
Just a few notes, you can take them or leave them: 1.) In reference to surrounding departments not having firefighters take department vehicles home: The surrounding departments have full-time or part-time employees that are staffing the station, thus eliminating the need for firefighters to have department vehicles at home. Secondly, that statement is not entirely true...most departments in this county have a "Chief" or "command" vehicle that is given to the department head, and can be used at all times so they may respond to emergency calls regardless of their location (sometimes they're even in a hay field). 2.) Salem Township whiners....get off your wallets and start paying for service. Your township contracts for 1 part time sheriff's deputy, and then demands the state troopers cover your area because you "deserve" it. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a trooper code out of the Ypsilanti post to Salem for an emergency...talk about delayed response time. Most of your firefighters have jobs during the day that prevent them from making responses during business hours...and then at night...they may be too tired to get out of bed and go to the station to help you out during your emergency...shocking I know!! These people have lives as well!! The amount that you as a township currently pay versus what you receive in fire protection is incredible. Your only next viable solution would be to hire full time firefighters, and then you better be ready to get off the big bucks! I know some of you will chime in about "mutual aid", but remember, it's MUTUAL! You need to give as well as take. Don't expect it to be free if you start to call surrounding departments because you can't support your own system. 3.) My final note: You are getting a great deal as far as protection is concerned. Change brings about consequences...and I'm not sure you as a township are ready to pay the piper in full given your love for "low" taxes. It's easy to criticize Chief Hamilton from your lazy-boy, why don't you get involved and VISIT your fire department. I'm sure the Chief would love to explain how they work, and heck, you might even pick up an application to become a volunteer firefighter! --Good night, and good luck!
arearesident
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 3:59 p.m.
@salem - You make it sound like going into South Lyon is a long distance. It is only one to two miles, depending on where in town they are, back to the township line. If there is a cardiac arrest along Seven Mile or Eight Mile roads, they could be there rather quickly. Obviously, going to Ann Arbor, Novi, Brighton, or farther would be inappropriate use of the vehicles, unless on official business. It is blatantly obvious that members of the board are out to get rid of Hamilton. I do not know any of the people involved, but I certainly hope this witch hunt is not coming at the cost of people's safety.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 2:27 p.m.
"Hamilton contends that allowing three firefighters to drive the departments trucks within Washtenaw County saves precious minutes when responding to the scene of an accident, fire or medical emergency." I would say that's a big "maybe" or "sometimes".
John of Saline
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 2:23 p.m.
"But Heyl said township insurers and attorneys have said that having firefighters use Fire Department vehicles for personal use is a liability for the township." So, you can thank lawyers for longer response times. Is there nothing they can't make worse?
Salem
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 2:21 p.m.
I like how Hamilton says "It has not been a benefit to me financially. I have my own vehicles." BULL. As long as I have been a resident I have never seen him drive any vehicle OTHER than his pickup truck. This includes when he is OUT of the county running personal errands in South Lyon. You can't tell me that by NOT having to pay wear and tear, fuel, insurance, and maintenance for all of those extra miles you are not benefitting. This is absolutely a benefit. And while they are at it, these guys might want to talk to a tax attorney, because I am sure that they are not claiming this as compensation. I understand the odd and difficult hours of firefighters. However, there is a reason you don't see other local departments sending their equipment home with firefighters. It just isn't a great idea. THe policy allows them to travel county wide. This means that it is just as likely that the lifesaving equipment could be taken farther AWAY from a scene when it is needed as it is likely that the firefighter would be able to respond faster. I understand that on paper, this looks somewhat petty, but for those of us who live in the Township and have watched this practice be abused for years it is very frustrating.
GoblueBeatOSU
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 1:29 p.m.
what more needs to be said..."Chief Mark Hamilton and two other firefighters drove marked township Fire Department pick-up trucks for personal"....except this..."Heyl alleged that Hamiltons truck is used for pulling hay bales.".... shouldn't everyone be able to use a firetruck to pull hay bales??...If that this is true Hamilton needs to pay up for the wear and tear on the truck. And maybe more needs to be done.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 12:13 p.m.
The article says there are 23 fire fighters. Do they rotate the responsibility/perk? If not why not?
Salem_Resident
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 10:35 a.m.
Response to Andy Jacob - If it were such a great idea to have paid on call firefighters keeping department vehicles at home and driving them for personal use, then every rural fire department would be doing that. How many other local rural fire departments allow such vehicle use? Try calling around and hearing the real answers, reasons why it doesn't work.
Soothslayer
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 10:14 a.m.
What a negative message to send to the team: "We know you're on call 24 x 7 and expect you to be at the scene asap but we not going to allow you to drive work vehicles that may help save time if you're out somewhere doing personal business". Honestly, think about that. Any report would help that show number and type of responses when these were used from "home" and we can use that to estimate average time saved at scene (vs having to get vehicle from station) vs how much time it took other responders to arrive which can help make value determination (based on type of incident). If report shows time saved = improving ONE chance for less of an injury (or death), saving a home/business from burning or mitigating any other important incident then I'd say it's to allow (and encourage) personal use FOREVER. @stunhsif - That model may work elsewhere but they aren't delivering flowers here, they are saving property, lives. etc. If they are already out somewhere and can hit the road to save valuable time I don't want them thinking they have to pay for personal use on the vehicles and not using them. If their job requires they be ON CALL then these vehicles are being used for business ALWAYS. With regards to the cost to the taxpayers for accidents, etc go look up the number of times they get wrecked for personal use. I'm guessing this is very low and STILL the benefit of having them within arms reach at all times far outweighs the negative. I looked it up. This boards action is the now the new definition of "Penny wise and Pound foolish" so congrats! Hope no one you know needs a first responder soon, may be 15 min delay while they get to their vehicles. Come on folks, honestly, someone thought this would be a GOOD idea? Wow.
scole
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 9:30 a.m.
You can look at it as the firefighters are using the vehicles for personal use, or you can say that the firefighters are always at work. As with many rural departments (very different from the larger paid full-time fire departments), these firefighters don't get to go to church, the grocery store, or out to dinner without the threat of being called to an emergency. Yes, they drive the trucks, but they have to get up and leave their dinner (when they are "off duty," not like at the full-time paid firehouse where they go home at the end of their shift for uninterrupted family time). They get called away with a half-full cart of groceries, and have to return to the store later. Driving the trucks adds a huge responsibility to their lives. All the township is gaining from this is longer responses, and cold (inoperable in winter weather) equipment if there is no space to store it inside. While it may look like a free vehicle for someone who lives a 9 - 5 life, the reality is far different.
King
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 9:06 a.m.
I agree with the majority of the township board. Not only are those miles that are being driven for personal use not going to the taxpayers best interest, but God forbid that something bad should happen when on a personal run there are tens of thousands of dollars of equipment on each of the trucks that would only be repaid in a pro-rated fashion from the insurance company. Then we as taxpayers would have to re-equip a new truck on our dime.
stunhsif
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 8:53 a.m.
This is very simple to deal with. Let the public employees drive the taxpayers vehicles but have them pay for their personal use. Like almost any company that gives their employees cars to drive, those employees have to pay for their personal use of the vehicle. They could be charged a reduced rate of perhaps 20 to 35 cents per mile.
jcj
Mon, Dec 20, 2010 : 8:38 a.m.
As in most disagreements there are exaggerations on both sides. Chief Mark Hamilton says "What this will do is force the big trucks to go on every call." Why would that be true? Do the "big trucks" drive themselves? Someone has to go to the station to drive the big trucks. Why can't they drive the smaller trucks instead on some of the call? Obviously they can!