Watch CBS News

Detroit To Buy New, Better EMS Trucks

DETROIT (WWJ) - Following complaints about too few vehicles and slow or no emergency response, Detroit city officials are planning the purchase of more than a dozen new state-of-the-art EMS units.

Interim Deputy Fire Commissioner Fred Wheeler spoke with reporters, Thursday, alongside the new trucks on display outside Detroit Fire Headquarters.

"We'll be purchasing some 16 of these rigs probably sometime, I would estimate by December or so of this year.  Almost immediately after that, we'll be bringing in a second set of 16," he said.

Head of EMS, Chief Gerald James, said more manpower is on the way, too.

"We actually have an academy of 15 employees that will graduate tomorrow. They'll be on the road for evaluation on Monday. Hopefully, within a few weeks we'll have them certified and read to go," James said.

Wheeler said the new trucks offer several benefits, including convertible child seats and other upgrades that will help Detroit EMS to better serve the community.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.