News Summary
The Detroit Fire Department is facing operational challenges due to issues with its rescue boat, the Sivad Johnson, which has been out of service since Fall 2024, and the delayed opening of Ladder 30 due to flooding. With rising concerns over safety for residents and firefighters, the department is under scrutiny as it anticipates increased water activities this summer.
Detroit – Concerns over operational capabilities have emerged within the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) due to ongoing issues with a rescue boat and the delayed opening of a firehouse. These problems pose potential risks to the safety of both residents and firefighters in the city.
Insiders have reported that the Sivad Johnson, a critical rescue boat used primarily for Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts along the Detroit River, has been out of service since Fall 2024 due to a broken water pump. While the boat was initially kept operational until the end of the season, it was officially taken out of service when repairs were underway. Repairs on the Sivad Johnson’s outboard motor were completed on March 29, 2025, but the pump was difficult to source. It has recently been ordered, with the fireboat being put back in the water on May 7, 2025 while waiting for the new component. Firefighters have expressed fears that the prolonged downtime of the Sivad Johnson could jeopardize the safety of local residents.
Meanwhile, the DFD’s other fireboat, Curtis Randolph, is currently operational and available for water suppression efforts since March 31, 2025. This has somewhat mitigated the impact of the Sivad Johnson’s inactivity; however, reliance on a single fireboat raises concerns about the department’s overall readiness to address emergencies on the water.
Additional issues were noted regarding Ladder 30, located at Mt. Elliott. This unit was shut down in 2012 following over $3 million in renovations, and it was anticipated to reopen this week. However, problems arose when significant flooding was detected within the facility, which sources indicate has led to concerns about potential growth of mold in affected areas. It appears that an ambulance had been observed operating from Ladder 30, despite the reported flooding, raising further questions about the state of readiness and safety of the facility.
The city has indicated that renovations at Ladder 30 are almost complete, with final touches including furnishings and fixtures in process. An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crew was temporarily stationed at Ladder 30 but will need to be relocated due to the lack of necessary amenities caused by the flooding. Despite these concerns, the city has reassured the public that there have been no reports of black mold within the Ladder 30 building, claiming they were first alerted to standing water in the basement.
As such operational issues within the DFD continue to unfold, pressure is mounting to address the safety of both firefighters and the community they serve. The accumulation of these concerns emphasizes an urgent need for action to ensure that the department can adequately respond to emergencies, particularly as the summer season approaches when water activities increase.
In summary, the damaged Sivad Johnson rescue boat and the flooding issues at Ladder 30 reveal significant operational challenges within the Detroit Fire Department. The department faces scrutiny as stakeholders await clarifications and swift resolutions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of fire response services in Detroit.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Woman Found Dead in Attic Following Detroit House Fire
Detroit’s Coolidge Terminal Redevelopment Nears Completion
16-Year-Old Charged in Detroit Bus Stop Shooting Incident
Timber Trouble: Northern Michigan Recovers from Ice Storm
Detroit Police Actively Seek Two Suspects in Gas Station Shooting
Detroit Schools Enhance Security with Old Fire Hoses
Pigeon River Country State Forest Faces Catastrophic Ice Storm Damage
Detroit’s Ford Fireworks Set to Dazzle in 2025
Charges Filed Against Albuquerque Man for Arson at Tesla Dealership and GOP Headquarters
Michigan Faces Challenges After Closure of Head Start Office
Additional Resources
- Click On Detroit: Concerns Over Detroit Fire Department
- Google Search: Detroit Fire Department concerns
- Detroit Free Press: Canada Wildfires Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit Fire Department
- Detroit News: Firefighter Morale and Mental Health
- Google News: Detroit Fire Department rescue boat
