Hazel Park’s Fire Department is Proud to Serve Our Community

THE HAZEL PARK FIRE DEPARTMENT was first established in 1947 and moved into its current location in 1967. “In the ‘60s, the Department was operating in a two-bay, automotive shop type of set up, so it eventually outgrew this,” explained Fire Chief Rich Story, who has been with the Hazel Park Department since 1994.

“We help out with fires, of course, and provide medical and paramedic support,” he said. “Basic-ally, everything you’d expect. We currently have 21 members. We’ve ebb and flowed throughout the years, depending on the money that is coming into the community. When I first got here, we had 17 members, and our high point was 23.”

Story said of the Department’s relationship with City Council and other local public safety and community-based departments, “It’s the best it’s been in the 24 years I’ve called Hazel Park home. This Council is very pro-community. They have everyone’s best interest at heart, and our leadership ensures we all stay in close touch. We also have a good rapport with the police department, the DPW, and with Parks & Rec. There are a lot of great department heads and employees.”

Story graduated from Wayne Memorial High School, and entered Fire Academy and EMT training at Schoolcraft College following graduation. He took a part-time position first, while applying for full-time opportunities, and eventually landed a spot in Hazel Park where he moved up the ranks. “I’ve really enjoyed my career,” Story said. “We go on 32,000 runs every year. We serve a 2.8 square mile community with approximately 17,000 people.”

Hazel Park has agreements in place with neighboring Ferndale and Madison Heights as well. They provide each other with auto-aid as needed. “If there is a fire, we will supply each other with any available manpower and equipment,” Story explained.

“We’re known for doing our job well, if not better than larger departments,” he said. “We take pride in the fact that we’re able to do what we do with how small we are. I would put our members up against the best of them.”

IN ADDITION TO TRADITIONAL SERVICES, the fire department offers CPR training courses. “We also spray down the kids every year during fire prevention week. We visit the elementary schools and give fire safety talks,” Story said. “We help out with the Lions Club and with other community organizations.”

The Department also offers a smoke detector program in which one free detector will be supplied to residents who stop in and show an ID. This will be installed as needed. Blood pressure checks are available at the Recreation Center on specified dates and times, or residents can stop by the department for a free check.

Firefighters also perform periodic hydrant maintenance, and offer a residential Knox Box program, which is a secure key box system that allows them to access a home in the event of a medical or fire emergency. This system is already widely used in many of the area’s commercial and industrial properties and will be tailored to specific residences upon request.

“We try to appease whoever we can. This city pays our salary, and we’re happy to help out wherever we’re needed,” the Chief said. “We’re proud to serve this community.”

THE STATION IS CURRENTLY LOOKING to put together a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a concept first developed following the 9/11 tragedy in 2001.

“We’ve tried it in the past, but unfortunately didn’t receive a lot of interest,” he explained. “But we have a few applicants this time around. We’ll be putting more information on our web site in the coming weeks regarding classes we’re holding, and we’re hoping to get some membership.”

CERT volunteers are members of the community who help out in the event of a major emergency, including severe storms, floods, and airplane crashes. “They’ll do some logistical work, blocking streets and checking homes. The volunteers will also help the fire department out at events, including the Memorial Day parade.” Those interested in CERT or the department’s other programs and services can visit the Hazel Park Fire Department’s page in the list available at http://www.hazelpark.org or call 248.546.4086 for more information.