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Morning Lineup – June 23 – Desperately Needed Detroit Rigs Delayed

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in morning lineup, Urban Commander, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos 2 days ago1 Comment

Detroit was supposed to have 10 new fire engines on the road by the Fourth of July weekend, which has become a more destructive period for fires than Devil’s Night, but a lack of oversight and incessant changes have caused a delay that caught even Mayor Mike Duggan’s Office by surprise.

Neavling, Steve (22 June 2015) Detroit’s new fire engines delayed by questionable changes, lack of oversight. Motor City Muckracker

Investigative reporter Steve Neavling closely follows the Detroit Fire Department provided this information:

But behind the scenes, the process was delayed by about 30 “change orders” that altered the cost and design of the rigs but were kept hidden from the city’s apparatus committee, which is responsible for oversight. Even as the apparatus committee members prepared to arrive at Smeal today to inspect the first rigs, they were deprived of records and basic information about the engines.

Deputy Fire Commissioner Craig Dougherty, in charge of the project, was barred from speaking to Neavling by the Mayor’s office.

Smeal September 24 announcement: Detroit Fire Department Orders Ten Smeal® Custom Pumpers

Engine 53 – 201,230 miles (from DFDLegacy on Facebook)