CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – With the help of $2 million, the state of Michigan is literally going the extra mile to provide future firefighters with the best possible training in Macomb County.
“They called and said, ‘Hey, we just secured $2 million.’ Denise Mentzer says, “Would you like to go down a building with me?” I said, ‘Denise, I’m going all the way. If you go over the edge, I’m going over the edge,'” Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said.
CBS Detroit
Rappelling down the side of a fire tower is not a daily routine for Hackel and state Rep. Denise Mentzer.
The downhill climb was intended to provide a glimpse of the training firefighters will learn at Macomb Community College’s Public Service Institute, all thanks to a recent $2 million investment from the state of Michigan.
“It’s not just a book environment where they learn by reading and understanding people talking to them, but through hands-on experience. So that’s what this creates,” Hackel said.
CBS Detroit
The money will go toward a new building on campus that, when completed, will resemble fire stations across the state. It will house several fire trucks and equipment that these first responders use every day.
“This is a great training location for that and much needed, and so we benefit in Macomb County because we have some of the best public safety officers in the state,” Hackel said.
In addition to the $2 million already awarded, county officials say they are working to secure about another $9 million, which could also go to Macomb Community College.
