During a recent government meeting, the local fire department provided an overview of its operations and the impact of recent legislative changes on its funding. The department, which serves Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, and Royal Oak Township, emphasized its role as a full-time career fire and emergency medical services (EMS) provider, offering advanced life support and ambulance transport.

The department operates from two fire stations and maintains a minimum staffing of six personnel daily, ensuring that two fire engines and an ambulance are always available for emergency responses. With a fleet of four fire engines, the department highlighted the importance of having backup vehicles to maintain service continuity during equipment maintenance or larger-scale incidents.

Additionally, the fire department is part of Oakway, a mutual aid group comprising 11 departments that allows for shared resources and specialized response teams, including HAZMAT and technical rescue units. This collaboration not only enhances operational capabilities but also reduces financial burdens on individual communities by pooling resources for equipment and training.

The meeting aimed to clarify the department's functions and address community questions, reinforcing the importance of understanding the fire department's contributions and the challenges it faces in funding and resource management.