| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT For Immediate Release: February 17, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
Councilmember Michelle M. Mills Inspects New Columbus Fire Medics
Columbus safety forces are some of the best trained and equipped in the nation and now, thanks to the investment of a little more than $2-million capital budget dollars, there are nine new medic units in service at fire stations around the city to protect Columbus residents. City Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, the chair of the Public Safety committee, toured Fire Station 17 in the Hilltop neighborhood to see firsthand one of the medics and thank the fire personnel who will operate the vehicle in case of emergency.
“Having highly qualified firefighters is one thing, but it is equally important to have the most up to date equipment possible when they respond to an emergency call,” said Councilmember Mills. “These new medics join an ever improving fleet of fire equipment serving in Columbus neighborhoods.”
In addition to the new medic at Station 17, eight other units were placed into service last week around Columbus. The new medics have been assigned to:
- Station 4-3030 Winchester Pike
- Station 6-5750 Maple Canyon Avenue
- Station 11-2200 West Case
- Station 12-3200 Sullivant Avenue
- Station 14-1514 Parsons Avenue
- Station 15-1800 East Livingston Avenue
- Station 17-2250 West Broad Street
- Station 22-3069 Parsons Avenue
- Station 23-4451 East Livingston Avenue
“The purchase of these new medics ensures that the city continues to invest millions in new equipment every year,” said Councilmember Mills. “The city has invested more than $22.2 million in the last four years in vehicles for the Fire Division – 31 Medics, 22 Engines, five Ladders, one Air Supply Unit, and seven Battalion Chief Units and finally one Bomb Squad Auxiliary unit. The City of Columbus has done an excellent job in investing in emergency equipment and our residents are the ones who will benefit from responsible replacement program.”
Councilmember Mills is sponsoring other significant amendments to the 2011 capital budget. One piece deals with paying for proposed security cameras in five Columbus neighborhoods. The pilot project is expected to move forward this year in the Hilltop, Livingston Avenue, Mount Vernon, We inland Park and Linden neighborhoods and provide an additional level of safety and security; acting as a deterrent criminal activity, helping police solve crimes and ultimately to hold those responsible who commit crimes.
Another capital budget proposal will help build a new crime lab for the city’s already nationally accredited staff. This building, that will house the crime lab and property room, will allow technicians to use the most high tech possible equipment to solve crimes in the shortest amount of time possible. Meaning officers can close more cases, quicker, bringing closure to families impacted by crime. Safety leaders are entering into the design phase of the construction process with completion of the facility slated for as early as late 2013.
Last Monday during the City Council meeting, Councilmember Mills sponsored legislation to purchase $200,000 worth of early warning sirens for Columbus neighborhoods. The location of the 10 sirens will be chosen after careful consultation with the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency. Councilmember Mills is sponsoring a capital budget amendment to buy more warning sirens in the future. These sirens can be placed in new locations or can be used to replace worn out equipment.
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