State Rep. Karl Bohnak (R-Deerton) today testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) in support of a $900,000 state grant he requested to help the City of Ishpeming replace its aging frontline pumper truck.

The department serves approximately 8,200 residents in the city and three surrounding townships.  The proposed grant, which Bohnak is advocating to include in the state budget, would fund the purchase of a modern, fully equipped pumper truck to improve emergency response capabilities.

“This equipment is in danger of failing when it’s needed most,” said Bohnak. “Replacing it with a modern, dependable vehicle will not only reduce long-term maintenance costs, but it will enhance firefighter safety and improve response times for the people of Ishpeming.”

Ishpeming’s current frontline truck is more than 20 years old and has become increasingly unreliable. Maintenance costs have climbed to over 30% of the truck’s total value, and firefighters are experiencing unacceptable delays and mechanical failures during emergency responses.

“The firefighters in Ishpeming are putting themselves on the line every day, and they deserve equipment they can count on,” said Bohnak. “This grant would help ensure they’re ready to protect our residents.”