Flint ambulance service returning after 20 years

VIDEO: For the first time in 20 years the city of Flint is bringing back a dedicated ambulance service for its residents. Flint’s fire chief said many times in a medical emergency, there are no ambulances available in Flint and when the county is in what they call a “crisis situation,” it means there’s no ambulances available in Genesee County at all. The city said they hope to fix this life-altering issue with a new fleet dedicated just to the city and its residents. “When you call the fire department, it’s gonna come,” said Fire Chief Theron Wiggins with the Flint Fire Department. For the first time in two decades, Flint’s very own ambulance is ready to answer the call for help. “I made it a priority because I know this is a priority to everyone who dials 911 that’s in trauma,” said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley.
WNEM-TV CBS/MyNetworkTV 5 Saginaw

’Rest easy on your rock, Gail’: A bell to remember her by at the Overisel Township Fire Department

VIDEO/PHOTOS: As a rainstorm rolled over the Overisel Township Fire Department, a family with firefighting in their bones shared stories about their late mother and sister, Gail VanAuken, killed in the line of duty. “She was the trickster of all of us,” said Carole Chisholm, one of VanAuken’s sisters. “Probably Gail up there, saying, ‘Hey, let’s get this party started,’” said sister MaryJo Damveld, joking about the distant thunder. In the early hours of the morning on November 2, 2000, Gail VanAuken, a 41-year-old teacher’s aide and firefighter with the Overisel Township Fire Department died in a crash while driving to a turkey barn fire. Her husband Rick, also a firefighter, was involved in the crash, too, and survived. “Our lives changed instantly that night we lost her,” said Michelle Green, VanAuken’s daughter. “My mom truly was a hero.”
WXMI-TV FOX 17 Grand Rapids

Woman dead in Muskegon house fire

A 69-year-old woman lost her life in a Thursday morning fire, the Muskegon Fire Department said. Just after 7 a.m., crews got multiple calls that smoke was coming from a home on Getty Street south of Laketon. The first firefighters that arrived were met with flames coming from the home, and they made their way inside to rescue the trapped woman. Deputy Director of Public Safety Jay Paulson said they found her, but before they could get to her, the floor gave way and she went through the floor. Deputy Director Paulson said there was a hoarding situation inside the home, which made it difficult for fire crews to navigate through the home. Muskegon Township, Muskegon Heights, Norton Shores, Fruitport and North Muskegon Fire Departments helped out. No firefighters were hurt.
WZZM-TV ABC 13 Grand Rapids

National ‘Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters’ event in Marquette Township urges community support

VIDEO: The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation urges people to show support for those who gave their lives in the line of duty. Until Sunday, the Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters event urges people to replace their outdoor lights with red lightbulbs. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation started this to recognize the foundation’s 25th anniversary and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Lauren Zyburt, Marquette Township fire inspector/firefighter/EMT, said everyone appreciates the support. “It’s nice for community members to show their support,” Zyburt said. “I mean, I know we appreciate it and I know all the families of the fallen firefighters also probably appreciate just a little bit of light to show your support.” More information on the event can be found on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation website.
WLUC-TV NBC/FOX 6 Marquette

VIDEO: Ypsilanti firefighters rescue ducklings from drain in hotel parking lot

The Ypsilanti Township Fire Department is being recognized for their quick action to help save local wildlife this week. Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest staff sent 7 News Detroit video of firefighters rescuing baby ducklings from a drain in the hotel’s parking lot. According to the hotel staff, on April 30, they noticed a duck in the parking lot distressed. That’s when they discovered numerous baby ducklings had fallen through the grate. After the firefighters rescued the ducklings, the duck reportedly marched them back to a nearby pond. “Thank you again to the responders for their compassion and heart!” stated Robin Lieb, sales coordinator at Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, in an email.
WXYZ-TV ABC 7 Detroit

No one injured after house fire in Grand Rapids

VIDEO: The Grand Rapids Fire Department responded to a house fire in Grand Rapids on Wednesday. According to the Grand Rapids Fire Department (GRFD), crews responded to a home in the 500 block of Woodlawn on Wednesday afternoon for reports of heavy black smoke. Crews said there was a report that a man was seen running into the home and that children were safely brought out. GRFD said there were no reports of injuries and most of the fire had been put out. The department also said they responded to the same block of Woodlawn on April 27 for a fire. The cause of this fire is still under investigation.
WZZM-TV ABC 13 Grand Rapids