DETROIT (WJBK) -- The union representing Detroit firefighters is taking the extraordinary step of suing the city leaders for negligence. They say officials are putting the lives of firefighters and citizens in jeopardy.
"This is one of the most disastrous times in the Detroit Fire Department," said Dan McNamara, President of the Detroit Firefighters Association. "We're seeing a rise in civilian injuries, firefighter injuries and fatalities.
McNamara says cuts have stripped the department to the bone. He says the city has closed 15 fire companies and at least eight more are out of service every day. "Unless somebody stands up and does the right thing this catastrophe is going to continue on," said McNamara.
The union's lawsuit claims the city is breaking the law because Detroit's charter requires the city to provide adequate protection for all its citizens. Firefighters say that is not happening. "They're not letting us do that," said McNamara.
A judge has ruled the union can depose city officials, forcing them to give sworn statements. "We want to find out who's ultimately responsible," said McNamara.
Detroit Fire Commissioner Donald Austin is fighting back, however. In a statement he says that Mayor Dave Bing has made public safety a top priority and cites the securement of nearly $30 million in FEMA grants that prevented 108 firefighter layoffs and allowed the city to rehire 26 firefighters. "Despite a tighter budget in recent years, the Fire Department is deploying its resources in the smartest and most efficient manner possible to maintain a high level of service," said Austin.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:56 GMT
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:04 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:04:18 GMT
13 people were shot in Detroit in just 24 hours, five from one block, including a woman who was just hours away from a kidney transplant. She did not survive.
13 people were shot in Detroit in just 24 hours, five from one block, including a woman who was just hours away from a kidney transplant. She did not survive.
Thursday, May 16 2013 8:23 PM EDT2013-05-17 00:23:43 GMT
54-year-old Almeter Walls was set to have a transplant surgery on Thursday, but instead she is dead. We're told she was shot when a neighborhood argument ended in gunfire. The shooting also left four others wounded.
54-year-old Almeter Walls was set to have a transplant surgery on Thursday, but instead she is dead. We're told she was shot when a neighborhood argument ended in gunfire. The shooting also left four others wounded.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:01:58 GMT
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:48:16 GMT
Weather Authority Ben Bailey says the humidity has dropped since earlier this morning but the risk of severe weather still exists Tuesday throughout southeast Michigan.
Weather Authority Ben Bailey says the humidity has dropped since earlier this morning but the risk of severe weather still exists Tuesday throughout southeast Michigan.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:31 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:31:20 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:50 AM EDT2013-05-21 13:50:04 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:43 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:43:15 GMT
Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller scored 31 seconds apart midway through a previously scoreless game, helping the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 3-1 on Monday night for a 2-1 series lead.
Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller scored 31 seconds apart midway through a previously scoreless game, helping the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 3-1 on Monday night for a 2-1 series lead.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:35 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:35:00 GMT
Police say a 55-year-old woman is dead and two men are wounded following a shooting at a vacant Detroit residence believed to have been used for drug activity.
Police say a 55-year-old woman is dead and two men are wounded following a shooting at a vacant Detroit residence believed to have been used for drug activity.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:23:29 GMT
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
