CARTER FRYE
Grand Haven Tribune, Mich.
(TNS)
The Spring Lake Township Fire Department hosted its annual Public Safety Open House at Fire Station #1 on Thursday night, as attendees got the chance to explore the township’s brand-new fire truck and community center next door.
Neighbors, local community groups, businesses, and surrounding public safety departments gathered to celebrate at the corner of Fruitport Road and M-104 after almost a decade of holding the event down the street at Central Park.
“We’re really happy to bring it back to the fire station,” said Fire Chief John Stalzer. “Years ago, it used to be out at our old Station #1 on 148th, and our dream has always been to bring it back here. Having the community center next door really helps that. And with the good weather and having everybody here, we’re really happy.”
People of all ages enjoyed yard games, an obstacle course, station tours, and a look at the department’s recently acquired fire truck.
The new Engine 1722, which went into service for the first time Monday night, is designed to operate similarly to their other trucks while prioritizing firefighter safety.
Features include technological improvements, lower truck components, and a special clean cab filter system, which helps to reduce the amount of firefighter exposure to carcinogens after being in the field.
The nearly $1 million fire truck purchase was approved by the Township Board of Trustees in 2022, with delivery originally scheduled for last year. The previous Engine 1722 was over 20 years old and in need of replacement, while the new truck also helps the department to improve its Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating.
Other public safety groups attended the event as well, giving people an opportunity to interact with officials as well as their equipment and vehicles. Departments included Grand Haven Township Fire/Rescue, Ferrysburg Fire, Trinity Health EMS, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, and several others.
Hot dogs from Butch’s Beach Burritos, ice cream from Culver’s, and Magnum Coffee were big hits among event-goers. Local businesses and organizations also set up tables, including Ace Hardware, Servpro, the Careerline Tech Center, the Girl Scouts, and the Boy Scouts, who are now known as Scouting America.
As they have for the past several years, members of Scouting America helped to direct traffic in the parking lot. Troop 14 Scout Master Daniel Jackson, who attended the event with his son, Frank, is happy to continue the tradition.
“The Scouts are all about service with a smile,” he said. “And what better way to serve your community than being part of your community? And that’s what we try to teach our kids.”
Stalzer noted that the event wouldn’t be possible without local support from all the volunteers.
“It’s not just us. It’s the whole community coming together,” he said.
Community Center
Next door at 15549 Cleveland St., the township simultaneously held a walkthrough of the recently completed community center located at the site of the old Burger King.
The 2,082-square-foot building, officially