GRAAFSCHAP, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Nov. 10, 2022) – Graafschap Fire Department wants to make sure everyone gets the message about fire safety in the community. A new 5-by-8-foot LED programmable sign was installed Nov. 7 in front of the fire department at 4534 60 th St.
“We purchased the sign because it is another media outlet we can use to get out information we feel is important for our residents and the general public to know,” said Graafschap Fire Department Chief Doug DenBleyker. “People are busy, and short to-the-point messages are a quick way to share those messages.” The colorful, scrolling screen will share fire safety messages, inform the public about applications for open firefighter positions, and share safety tips along with general information about fire department activities. “The sign is a tool that will assist us with community risk reduction, allowing us another avenue to share fire and life safety messages with our residents and general public that travel through our area,” he said.
Acquiring and installing the sign was a community effort. Pro Vision Transport Inc., 6205 Blue Star Highway, picked up the sign from the supplier and stored it until the fire department was ready for the install. Edgewater Landscape LLC, 4124 59 th St., prepared the site and set the sign in place. Schipper Concrete, 4168 48 th St., poured the concrete base and Overisel Electric, 4914 146 th Ave., provided electrical services for the sign.
The sign cost about $35,000 and was funded with money from the American Rescue Plan Act with funds shared from Fillmore and Laketown townships, the two municipalities that make up the fire department. ARPA funds also allowed the fire department to replace its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units, add ionization equipment to improve indoor air quality, replace the water fountains with a bottle filler and add a second LUCAS chest compression device to its medical equipment.
The department is also looking at adding exercise equipment for the fire station.
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