State Rep. Parker Fairbairn on Wednesday announced he secured $1,000,000 in the state budget for the Charlevoix Township Fire Department to purchase a new aerial platform fire truck.

“When I came to Lansing, I committed to representing the best interests of our district and its communities in policy and appropriations,” said Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs. “I was pleased to partner with the communities served by the Charlevoix Township Fire Department to submit and ultimately secure this funding request for a new aerial platform fire truck, which is a much-needed public safety asset. This purchase will measurably enhance local and regional fire protection capabilities, reducing loss of lives, homes, businesses and other important property and assets in Charlevoix County.”

“Our current platform truck is out of service for repairs more often than it is available for use. As a matter of fact, we could have really used it just last night, but it was down for repairs. Acquiring a new, modern replacement is essential to our being able to provide the level of protection that the communities we serve need and deserve,” said Dan Thorp, Charlevoix Township Fire Chief.

The Charlevoix Township Fire Department’s current aerial platform fire truck is more than 30 years old and requires frequent and costly maintenance, rendering it unreliable and often unavailable. Obtaining a new, modern replacement will significantly enhance fire protection in the area and the state funding provided in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget providing approximately half of the total cost of the new truck – the other half being covered by local funds – will allow the Township to place its order for it much sooner than might otherwise have been possible.

“Charlevoix Township and its neighboring communities are extremely grateful to Rep. Fairbairn and the State of Michigan for providing this funding assistance as we pursue this critical upgrade to our Fire Department,” stated Charlevoix Township Supervisor Dan Ulrich.

The Charlevoix Township Fire Department services a 50 square mile area, comprised of the townships of Charlevoix, Hayes, Marion, and portions of Norwood and Eveline, as well as the City of Charlevoix. The department also responds to mutual aid calls in the neighboring municipalities of East Jordan, Boyne City, and Petoskey.

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