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Detroit Firefighters Getting New Beds

Detroit (WWJ)- An early Christmas present for Detroit firefighters.

Art Van Furniture founder Art Van Elslander, Mayor Dave Bing and Fire Commissioner Don Austin Monday announced the store is donating 150 beds and mattresses to the department.

"I am pleased that Art Van Furniture, a local family-owned business, has made such a significant commitment to support our City and its first responders," Mayor Bing said in a statement. "Our dedicated firefighters are grateful for such generous support from the communities they serve."

14 sets of mattresses and box springs were delivered to the fire station of Engine 50 Ladder 23 on the city's east side. The firehouse is one of the busiest in the country and was featured in the documentary "Burn," which chronicles the daily experiences of Detroit firefighters.

"One of my Christmas wishes to be honest with you is to see Detroit come back in the manner it was many, many years ago," Van Elslander told reporters.

The other beds are expected to be delivered after the first of the year.

The donation was made through the Detroit Public Safety Foundation in support of the Mayor's Active and Safe Detroit Campaign which is a $50 million initiative to help Detroit become a safer and healthier place to live, work and visit.

Anyone interested in supporting the City of Detroit's first responders are encouraged to go online to donate.

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